VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON SALOON REVIEW

My car

Bought 2.5 years ago, used with 10k on the clock. Very excited and delighted with the quality at first. However, dealer servicing costs are outrageous - over £400 for inspection service i.e oil change. I also have an Audi A8 and servicing costs are higher than that!!! I have had problems with the Xenon headlights, initially replaced under warranty, then one failed again when in extended warranty period and was told the extended warranty didn't cover 'bulbs'- charged £360 to replace one headlamp!! - the most expensive bulb I've ever bought. CD changer often fails, being unable to read cd's properly and sat nav is appallingly basic for such an expensive car. BIGGEST PROBLEM however is that the gearbox has failed after only 2.5 years of ownership, now out of warranty, and VW are quoting over £5000 saying it needs to be replaced. Outrageous on a luxury car like this. I won't buy VW again.

My car

just purchased a 07 diesel phaeton.if you want luxuary this is the car for you.even in standard spec this ticks all the boxes.try and get an ex demo or one owner loaded with extras.you will save a fortune.have had a couple of mercedes and bmw and they just dont compare to the phaeton.a truly outstanding car in every way.the drive is superb.in comfort mode just wafts along.in sport mode goes like a rocket.wind noise in the cabin or traffic noise in unheard.have sensitive leather seating with 18 way adjust.extra but worth every penny truly comfertable,even after 600mls !not a bit of back ache.compared to merc and bmw way better.you can adjust to suit any driver.interior space on par if not bigger than most rivals.driving around town stop start a realistic 25mls to gallon.motorway and long distance achieving 39mls..big heavy car but on apar with most 4x4.but more luxury all round.sat nav excellent very detailed.added blue tooth easy to use and excellent clear sound in car and on the phone.keep you posted

My car

If you appreciate quality and don't subscribe to badge snobbery then this is the car for you. Having said that, do NOT, whatever you do, buy a new one unless you (a) have money to burn or (b) have someone else's money to burn.

I picked up a late 06 plate in perfect condition with almost 10 months manufacturers warranty still to run for £15k.

Everything about the car exudes class. I absolutely love this car.

My car

I was interested to see the photograph of my car OVO3GHB on the Whatcar web page! It is a 6.0ltr W12 4motion tiptronic. Jeremy Clarkson rates this car very highly and he is absolutely right. Why buy a Bentley Continental GT when you can have all the same mechanics and luxury interior finish with the W12 for half the money This car has it all from a superb engine to double glazed windows and even a solar sunshine roof to keep the interior cool on a hot summers day. The car had only 9,000 miles on the clock and was 18 months old when I purchased it from a main dealer at almost half list price.It has now travelled 53,000 miles without fault.It may have a VW badge but the Phaeton W12 is a much rarer car than an S class Sadly it is now for sale