Used car tests

Used buyer's guide: Volkswagen Phaeton

Steep depreciation makes the VW Phaeton look a real bargain. But is it?

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11 Sep 2012

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What to look for

• Most Phaeton issues centre on the electrics and electronics, so make sure everything works• Some Phaetons have five seats, others have four. Three seats in the back is the most common• Avoid cars without a full service history. And even if it’s complete, look at who has done the work

All Phaetons have four-wheel drive (apart from a few early 3.2 V6 petrols) and an auto, and there are no trim levels as such. So your only decision regards engine and wheelbase (the LWB is 120mm longer) – although it’s worth seeing what extras are fitted.

Worthwhile options include a rear parking camera, high-end Dynaudio stereo and blindspot assist. Most UK Phaetons have the standard wheelbase, and with the 3.0 TDI the only option for a while, your mind will be easily made up.

Recalls

Even though the Phaeton has been on sale for nearly a decade, Volkswagen has never issued any recalls for the car. This is a very impressive feat, and allows potential buyers to focus instead on finding an example with a full service history and no niggling problems.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

The rare Phaeton hasn’t made it into our annual Driver Power satisfaction survey, yet plenty of other VWs have. The brand always scores above average, but has yet to make the top 10; it’s usually beaten by Hyundai, Audi, Jaguar, Skoda and Honda.

Peter Carroll from Leicester bought his 2007 Phaeton V10 TDI three years ago. He says: “The car is generally superb, and astonishing value. It’s fast, refined and well equipped. But the dealer service is poor; staff seem happier with Golf buyers.”