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[pscocoa]

After 10 years I think it is time to retire the Phaeton. It needs a new steering rack and feed pipes and ac condenser. The ac condenser is not a problem but there is no equivalent steering rack replacement and the VW part is £2k and the feeder pipe £300+. I can get a refurbed steering rack for £300  but nobody round here wants to fit it so I will park up the phaeton until I can find a solution. no point doing condenser on its own as the feeder pipe needs bumper off and front end exposed.

Now looking at other cars and given my size - the best option seems to be the Volvo S90 and V90 Inscription (2018) but these still leave me with RFL of £465 like the Phaeton. Going to see a Mercedes E220d AMG Estate later.

Even in perfect nick the Phaeton is only worth about £4-5k. Even if repairs done I am still on original exhaust and batteries and who knows what is around the corner. I have in the past been able to get discs and pads as non VW but the bigger items have no VW equivalent obviously due to low numbers of Phaetons sold. (some parts are shared with Touareg/Bentley/A8).

Reluctant to scrap it as it is otherwise perfect with full VW service history. Waiting to get video of issue and to hear if any goodwill from VW.

I test drove an S90 D5 Inscription yesterday and very impressed. Obviously not the best looker.

[jimmy944]

Why an E-class rather than an S-class?

Just asking as the S seems a closer match to a Phaeton.

[Jimbob]

Im happy with my E250 AMG Estate, but no idea how it will compare for you.

[STEMO]

Why an E-class rather than an S-class?

Just asking as the S seems a closer match to a Phaeton.

I agree. Posh bastid like Phil definitely should go for an S class. 

[pscocoa]

I am retiring this year and should really go for something more economical and I did not want to spend more than a certain amount but setting myself a target to try and buy something less than 6 months to a year old. Will enquire about S class repair bills for the longer term.

[pscocoa]

Why an E-class rather than an S-class?

Just asking as the S seems a closer match to a Phaeton.

I agree. Posh bastid like Phil definitely should go for an S class. 

Thanks Steve for putting me up there. I may keep the Phaeton and trade in the Astra and use the Phaeton for the short journey to the station. This will be similar to having an electric car for the station but instead of topping up the battery I will be putting power steering oil in everyday to keep mobile!!

[dave the builder]

If your happy with the Phaeton (other than the steering issue and ac) why are you not trying to find someone to do the job   
plenty of independent garages out there ,worth doing even if you have to take it 50 miles or so 
parking cars up and buying another until you get round to fixing it rarely ends well
I don't know what model,age etc you have 
but there are used power steering racks and pipework selling on ebay by vw breakers etc

then you could sell it ,if you have decided it must go

[ronnyd]

I am retiring this year and should really go for something more economical and I did not want to spend more than a certain amount but setting myself a target to try and buy something less than 6 months to a year old. Will enquire about S class repair bills for the longer term.

Go on! Blow ya tax free lump sum on fixing the oversized Passat. You know you want too.

[jimmy944]

You could probably pay to have it transported to that nice Mr Derek, I've heard he likes a challenge 

[STEMO]

You could probably pay to have it transported to that nice Mr Derek, I've heard he likes a challenge 

Any relation to Serek?

[TheBoy]

I think any exec car is expensive to fix when it gets a few years/miles on it. Irrespective of whether its S-Class, XJ, 7 Series and so on.  The parts are often unique to that model.  Drop to a smaller size, such as E-Class, XF, 5-Series and parts and knowledge are more readily available.


Personally, I'd find an indie prepared to source/fix refurb rack, and keep the V-Dub. Its a nice, reasonably unique car, but with near zero trade in value, and its near immaculate. Its comfortable and refined, and reasonably well put together.

Unless you're "doing a tunnie", and look for excuses because you fancy a change...   ...in which case, treat yourself

[pscocoa]

Thanks all. Just back from Merc dealer and I am not comfortable in the E class. Sports seats too narrow. They then put me in an S Class at £94k but the range starts at £73k. This was like the Phaeton size and spec so very comfortable. But not going to pay this kind of money.

I am trying to find an independent and waiting for video from VW to send on to a local garage. Problem is the distance I can travel sensibly with the power steering leak. Another local garage will only do this job if they use VW parts. I even spoke to a power steering company in Weybridge who said they have seen too may poorly prepared refurbs that they have stopped the hydraulic side of their business. He recommended me to a place in Bristol but even they say to have the rack removed by a VW specialist.

I am still on the repair case but even the dealer is nervy of attempting it given the other issues that might be uncovered on a vehicle of this age.

[pscocoa]

I am retiring this year and should really go for something more economical and I did not want to spend more than a certain amount but setting myself a target to try and buy something less than 6 months to a year old. Will enquire about S class repair bills for the longer term.

Go on! Blow ya tax free lump sum on fixing the oversized Passat. You know you want too.

I may bite the bullet and do it as the car looks like new (if I can get a reasonable deal from VW if that is indeed the last resort). Something tells me though this could be just opening myself up to another issue in a few weeks or few months time.

[pscocoa]

I think any exec car is expensive to fix when it gets a few years/miles on it. Irrespective of whether its S-Class, XJ, 7 Series and so on.  The parts are often unique to that model.  Drop to a smaller size, such as E-Class, XF, 5-Series and parts and knowledge are more readily available.


Personally, I'd find an indie prepared to source/fix refurb rack, and keep the V-Dub. Its a nice, reasonably unique car, but with near zero trade in value, and its near immaculate. Its comfortable and refined, and reasonably well put together.

Unless you're "doing a tunnie", and look for excuses because you fancy a change...   ...in which case, treat yourself

No not doing a Tunnie -  I was perfectly happy with it until this week. I agree with your points on this entirely.

[henryd]

EBay number  123758631778

Second hand but no money if You wanted to try it

I would be fixing it up as they are a nice vehicle which you will Struggle to replace