considering buying a phaeton

**Crasher** · 07-01-2012,03:27 PM

I was only narrating the experience I have just had with the owner of a seven year old Phaeton, I don't think I even read your post, it was just that a reply notification to the thread popped up in my mail box and I punched in what I had been through that day and how I felt plus it was well past midnight and I was surrounded by the warm comforting glow of a bottle of fine Sicilian red and a couple of large shots of Jura so to be really honest I can't even remember making the post in the first place... From reading your last two posts you do, pardon me for saying this and don't take it the wrong way, seem, well a little-sensitive maybe? As I said, I love the Phaeton but I have to admit I would not buy one new as they have knocked all the decent engines on the head for the UK market and even in Germany the biggest lump is only the V8 petrol and I want the W12, well a 6 litre version with twin turbos actually but I would have to build that myself. Personally if I was blessed with the funds I would buy a fully loaded Audi S8 when they come out this year but within your budget area I would buy an A5 Sportback although I would be frustrated at not being either able to get the V6 petrol (S5 aside) you can have in Germany or being able to afford it or the diesel V6 but I don’t like diesels. Saying that I would feel terribly guilty spending my money on a foreign car in such straitened times and even doing what I do for a living, the pull towards a Jaguar showroom would be irresistible as I love everything Jaguar and I think the XF is lovely. The other thing, the Phaeton starts at £45K so how are you gong to get one for £35K?

WeegieBob · 08-01-2012,12:43 AM

Hi Crasher,

Thank you for your considerate and detailed reply - and yes, perhaps my posts may have read a 'little sensitive' to you, however they were not both intended that way, particularly my last one relating to your previous post, it was I just couldn't understand your drift, thinking you were trying to give me some advice. I never realised it was completely unrelated and you were only adding to the content of the thread.

As for the sales personal - yes, I would grant you I am sensitive, but as a paying customer the least I expect is promises kept and good service, as I have mentioned previously they are not doing me a favour by selling me a car. Please don't get me wrong, I don't have it in for all car sales staff, quite the opposite in fact as I have had some experience in retail car sales and some customers can be right idiots, but on this occasion I believe the sales personel could have done better.

With regard to the Phaeton price, we originally agreed a price of £35k without too much trouble on my part, however the final price I wanted to pay would have resulted in the saving difference going towards a service plan and accessories I wanted. Greedy perhaps, but its a buyers market, today Jaguar for example knocked £3k off immediately just because I'd done my homework, knew what I wanted to pay and knew the options I wanted, so they stepped up to the mark and after a little more negotiating they got the sale.

I'll be sorry to see the Golf go as its been a wee star and wouldn't hesitate to recommend or buy another, its just a pity VW have such a price gap between their top line 'regular' models and the Phaeton - they really do need to bridge the executive gap in my view, however I also accept they know their customer base.

**Crasher** · 08-01-2012,02:02 AM

I am extremely pleased you bought the Jaguar, every time I see an XK, XF or XJ I give a nod of approval, as long as it is not white-that is so wrong... I hope you enjoy it and the car gives you good service.

**W8CMP** · 05-04-2012,03:01 PM

I'm considering a 2009 (59) Phaeton 3.0TDI...
Anyone have any pointers on what to look out for or to avoid etc.
Thanks in advance...
Chris

**Crasher** · 05-04-2012,03:45 PM

There is far too much to list here, you must have it checked by a Phaeton dealer or specialist.

**W8CMP** · 10-04-2012,02:13 PM

Of course - I would look to buy from a VW dealer as the car would then come with 12 months warranty as part of their approved used scheme. Just wondered if there were any common failures which could be picked up on while selecting a car.

**Crasher** · 10-04-2012,05:40 PM

There are lots, many model specific.

**pwh2** · 22-05-2012,07:16 AM

I have an A6 3ltr Quattro with 85k on now
Looking at Phaeton 57 plate with 50k mls
Can't find much info on the Phaeton
Doesn't seem to be as cost effective fuel wise although same engine size
Is it 4x4 too? Is the sat nav comparable , just bought new navigation disks
Any advice welcome !

**fotoLibrarian** · 20-08-2013,04:54 PM

Oh dear. Seems I should have read this entire forum from A2Z before splashing out on a 2005 V10. Too late now.

**Crasher** · 20-08-2013,10:43 PM

Don't worry, a new cylinder head only costs £4856.99 per side (there are two) plus a stupefying supplementary parts list and labour charge to fit it (them), £5500 for a complete exhaust system (not fitted) is a snip and 15 hours (at the highly optimistic VW times) to change the turbo's (no parts at all and two turbo's at £1655.75 each) seems wholly commensurate with what I would expect from a vehicle of this ilk.