USED Volkswagen Phaeton Saloon (03 - )

My car

It's heavy, and large, and heavy. Did I mention it's heavy?

I wouldn't mind (I'm not a driving enthusiast), but after an 8-hour drive, I felt like it was me who moved this 3+ ton car from side to side.

A later experience with the A6 (which is a class lower) was much more satisfying.

My car

As the What Car? review states, people will have a problem paying the kind of money demanded for the Phaeton, because it's a VW. I managed to get one on an amazing lease deal, presumably supported by VW.

The 'anonymity' of the VW badge is great however if like me you don't want your car knicked or vandalised on London streets. And the understated elegance of the car is very appealing.

But the bootom line is it's an amazing, quiet, comfortable car - as good or better than its competitors. It's like riding first class in a TGV in France.

If you don't need a prestige badge in the golf club car park, but want a really classy ride, this is it. The best vehicle I've ever owned.

My car

What a car, so comfortable it's like driving around in your front room sitting on the sofa. It's a relaxing way to travel; I now no longer suffer from road rage!

In traffic jams it's brilliant at removing the stress of life. It's got seats that massage, heat or cool and a TV.

Don't buy one new however. Wait two years and it will be half price. I've even seen a one-year-old 6.0 W12 for sale at at £36,000 with 9000 miles. It cost nearly 70,000 12 months previously.

Great bang for your buck, but only if buying secondhand.