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[SMD]

A work colleagues friend is selling his 3.2 petrol Phaeton for a grand. It's on 03 plate, 105k in Black. He said its needs around £800 worth of work (2 × HT leads, can't remember what else). Worth a punt?

Going to take a look at it in the next few days or so. Does anyone of the big issues with these?

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I like the Phaeton.

The 3.2 litre engine will be hard worked though because the Phaeton weighs as much as the Titanic.

It really is a big and more importantly heavy car.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

According to Parker's even the 3.2 weighs in at a hefty 2239 KG.

It is a fully paid up member of the 'fat bastard' society.

[Webby the Bear]

Beautiful cars in my opinion and, I believe, the 6L W12's are basically Bentley Cont GTs.

As for the car in question.....

As I believe theyre chain driven would need to know it's oil history. Also worth getting quotes to see how much a chain replacement would be if it was ever needed as it would be a big job if theyre positioned at the back of the engine.

The 3.2 is petrol, right? no need to worry about DPFs etc

And I believe theyre individual coilpacks (could be wrong) so no leads. Cheap enough from ECP.

Go for it

[STEMO]

Phil (pscocoa) is your man, he owned one for donks.

[tunnie]

Got to be worth a punt at that price 

[STEMO]

Human nature would say to me..."if he's selling it for a grand, and they're usually worth a lot more....why?"

[Webby the Bear]

worth knowing what other work is needed.....

[pscocoa]

Phil (pscocoa) is your man, he owned one for donks.

I have had 6 years trouble free, 60,000 miles. Only servicing and tyres - not even changed brake pads - this will be needed this year. I have the 3 litre diesel and despite car weight and permanent 4wd it is very quick and returns 37mpg on a run.

However - if something does go wrong it will not be cheap - for example if  change pads and discs all round this year - VW price will be £1200. If I go indie - probably still £600 ish.

Divide that by 6 years and maybe not too bad.

The drive is fantastic.

If the OP can find an indie that can work on these then worth a punt. However, the suspension on the 2003 is the old air strut system for which parts are not available - he should quiz seller carefully as to any fault codes showing and whether suspension is ok.

[SMD]

Human nature would say to me..."if he's selling it for a grand, and they're usually worth a lot more....why?"

I already asked myself that question. But it's worth a look at least because he is 10 minutes away.

If there are no replacement suspension parts available (not even pattern?) what happens when its needs replacing? Scrap the car? 

[STEMO]

Human nature would say to me..."if he's selling it for a grand, and they're usually worth a lot more....why?"

I already asked myself that question. But it's worth a look at least because he is 10 minutes away.

If there are no replacement suspension parts available (not even pattern?) what happens when its needs replacing? Scrap the car? 

It's only worth a look if you know what you're looking for, I certainly wouldn't be happy vetting a complicated machine such as that. Then there is the danger that you will see it, love and let your heart rule your head.
But, as has been said, it's a grand, so all you can lose is a grand.........

[SMD]

I agree.

I was thinking, if the overall condition of the car was good,  I would consider/ask the owner if I can take it to a VW dealer and have them inspect it and read codes. Might cost me a couple of ££ but might be worth it I guess 

[Webby the Bear]

Find a garage that does free code reading (my garage do this). if you take it to VW youll be bent over the proverbial barrel one would have thought 

Then if all is good and a LONG test drive produces no nasties, join the owners forum and see whats what about the apparent non replacement of suspension parts as cocoa mentioned

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

£1000 may be negotiable. The owner may be keen to see the back of it.

You could always offer less and see the response.

[Sir Tigger KC]

It's certainly worth a look, but tread very carefully. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Phaeton-3-2-V6-auto-Stunning-Car-/262021094595?hash=item3d01ac9cc3