Faults:

I haven’t had any issues until now; the only faults are electrical.

Because the vehicle is packed with modules, sensors, and electronic control units (ECUs), failures in these control units are common. Other notable issues include problems with the wiring, specifically in the trunk’s electrical harness (often referred to as the "electric scythe"), which tends to get jammed and sever the wires, as well as malfunctions in the multimedia system or the display screen.

The specific parts are neither inexpensive nor easy to obtain immediately on the market.

General Comments:

Where to begin? Well, the car is simply wonderful, plenty of interior space, luxury in every detail, and incredible soundproofing.

Very few Phaetons were sold, and at the time of its launch, its price was roughly the same as that of a Mercedes S-Class or an Audi A8; one might ask, why buy a VW for the price of a Mercedes? Well, perhaps that’s why you didn’t see many of them, but the truth is that it was genuinely worth the price.

The quality of the car is clearly premium; it shares many components with Bentley, features top-quality chrome trim and accessories, offers a spectacular ride, and has an engine that sounds brilliant.

The 4.2-liter V8 is an exciting engine. Shared with the Audi S4 and A6, it possesses the deep, resonant roar of a performance-oriented V8. This gives the Phaeton a more powerful sound, setting it apart from other V8s in the ultra-luxury segment. The sense of speed is minimal, until you begin to brake. Only then do you truly realize the speed and momentum this heavyweight is carrying.

Behind the wheel, all is peaceful as the world rushes by at 90 mph. It’s not that I’m intentionally driving at high speeds; the Phaeton simply gives the driver a distorted perception of reality, making every other car on the highway appear slow. Steering at high speeds is a weak point, it feels relatively loose for a vehicle of this size travelling at such a pace. In the city, that same composed road manners make the Phaeton feel deceptively agile and compact. However, changing lanes definitely requires a larger gap between vehicles. Parking is a different story: rear visibility is limited for tight maneuvers, and the "Star Trek" style proximity sensors at each corner offer only a marginal increase in safety.

Driving this car makes me feel special; it handles much better than my previous Five Hundred (which was also a great car), is significantly more agile, and reacts infinitely better when overtaking.

I’ll save the only negative point for last: it’s very fuel-hungry getting, let’s say, 17 miles per gallon. Granted, it’s not the most practical choice these days, with gasoline prices so high, but it’s still great for enjoying a little bit every single day.

This is a car that, even 20 years from now, will feel just as fresh and well-suited to modern driving conditions as it does today. For several reasons, most notably its high price tag at launch and its excessive fuel consumption, not many were sold; but those lucky enough to own one will certainly know how to appreciate its merits.

Without a doubt, the best car VW ever made.

Faults:

Minor oil leak, the rest was wear and tear. No major faults.

General Comments:

Beautiful VW Phaeton I had a while back. It was a stunning car that left a good impression on me, but be aware this was no ordinary Volkswagen!

It was very expensive to buy and run and was the main reasons I sold it.

But what you get is incredible. Think this is just a big Passat? Think again. This honestly is up there and arguably better than a BMW 7 series or Mercedes S Class level of luxury. The Passat "CC" doesn't even come close. Super comfortable leather seats. All the electronics you could want. Huge amount of space inside, this car was massive.

3.0 diesel engine struggled for 30 mpg, which is poor for diesel but I suppose also worth it for the size of the car and the power it delivers. I loved driving it and miss it dearly.

You can buy them now for as little as six grand with higher mileage. Just be aware any repairs may be so expensive now it would write off the car. Tax and insurance was also insanely high.

I don't believe they make them anymore, closest to this from Volkswagen now is the Arteon.

Now don't get me wrong, the Phaeton is an amazing car, but you have to ask yourself, is all this worth it for a VW when you could have BMW/Audi/Mercedes top models for the same money?