Audi A8 D3 vs Phaeton

[st4]

I am in the market for either of these, as well as a W221 S class. My top end budget is really £16k and I'd like a sub 6yo example and lower miles (under 60k) car.

I found this

Volkswagen Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI CR DPF 4MOTION 240 4dr [5 seat] Auto (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201407055575276/sort/default/postcode/g849at/usedcars/model/phaeton/page/1/fuel-type/diesel/make/volkswagen/radius/1500/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/maximum-mileage/up_to_50000_miles/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old?logcode=p)

This

Volkswagen Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI CR DPF 4MOTION 240 4dr [5 seat] Auto (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201404263693260/sort/default/postcode/g849at/usedcars/model/phaeton/page/1/fuel-type/diesel/make/volkswagen/radius/1500/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/maximum-mileage/up_to_50000_miles/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old?logcode=p)

And a facelift Phaeton

Volkswagen Phaeton Saloon 3.0 TDI V6 4 Motion 4dr (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201408066395461/sort/default/postcode/g849at/usedcars/model/phaeton/page/1/fuel-type/diesel/make/volkswagen/radius/1500/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/maximum-mileage/up_to_50000_miles/maximum-age/up_to_5_years_old?logcode=p)

I am interested only in the 3.0TDi. I researched this lump and by 08 onwards issues with cam chains and injectors were resolved with updated parts so it should be reliable. I understand with transmission oil changes its a reliable box.

My one concern is corrosion. Is the D3 A8 a better bet, as the Phaeton looks like you get a newer car for the money. Plus I've always liked them. Is there major issues with suspension or is it similar to the A8 D3. I don't expect to run it for Mondeo money, but I don't want to be spending upwards of £1500 per year on servicing/repairs either.

I've heard of corrosion on the door edges etc - is this something a facelift car fixes?

[gupsterg]

The phaeton seems to have been going through facelifts rather than complete new chassis designs, why I say this is the EPC only have one chassis code rather than several you see for say other VAG models.

Looking at SSP270 The Phaeton pages 14/15 the doors are alu? I think the air suspension same tech as other VAG models with it, yoiu may wish to google for SSP275 The Phaeton Air Suspension with Controlled Damping

Other handy SSP's but bear in mind these are for original model.

SSP271 The Phaeton Heating and Air Conditioning System
SSP272 The Phaeton Onboard Power Supply
SSP273 Phaeton Convenience and Safety Electronics
SSP274 The Phaeton Infotainment System
SSP276 The Phaeton Automatic Proximity Control (APC)
SSP277 The Phaeton Chassis
SSP280 The Phaeton Auxiliary heater Thermo TOP C and supplementary heater Thermo TOP Z

As you can tell from lack of responses to your thread this section of forum is very quiet.

I think the Phaeton represents more bank for buck vs an A8 and like your finding the depricate more thus gonna get newer one than an A8 for £.

I've never searched for better phaeton forums but have come across more supported forums for the A8.