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[Webby the Bear]

Hi guys,

As above. Ma and Pa are potentially looking at the above. Not a definite by any means but just looking for some info for them.

I've done a little research already and it appears the petrol versions give really poor fuel economy (16mpg urban) which is fair enough for a car of that size but they want better than that. so i've looked at the diesel and figures look much healthier.

i've also been around the net and sadly there doesnt seem to be a proper owners forum. there's an off-shoot of a vw forum that has about 3 members! 

So. does anyone know if there are common faults, is it prone to breaking down (i assume not), and in general any negatives you guys know of (especially from the owners of such things). also i note they are all turbo diesels. are the turbos failure points?

cheers guys

[tunnie]

I think after a certain year, they changed the shock design. So if one failed all 4 needed to be replaced, but recall someone saying there were ways around that 

Will follow this with interest, but like other cars its lack of decent technical forum puts me off. 

[chrisgixer]

Iirc pscocoa said the shock issue doesn't affect post 04 cars. As they changed shock supplier at the factory at that point.

I'm sure he'll be along.

[Webby the Bear]

I think after a certain year, they changed the shock design. So if one failed all 4 needed to be replaced, but recall someone saying there were ways around that 

Will follow this with interest, but like other cars its lack of decent technical forum puts me off. 

Couldnt agree more. the fact there's not really a forum of any kind is a real concern.

plus i looked in to servicing costs. someone posted up (for example) £1k for discs and pads. looked on ECP for parts and they're a reasonable price for parts.

[Webby the Bear]

Iirc pscocoa said the shock issue doesn't affect post 04 cars. As they changed shock supplier at the factory at that point.

I'm sure he'll be along.

Thats comforting to know. ma and pa are looking at around 09.

are these chain driven btw? with no timing belt service needed? that would be another bonus

[05omegav6]

They're chain driven, but all three chains are at the back of the block, which meanbs engine out when the guides wear, which with 20k service intervals is highly likely Also, the diesel parts are hideously expensive, injectors being £500 a pop (there are 6, and hopefully they're more reliable than the ones fitted to the 2.0TDi), fuel pumps are 2-4 Omegas worth as well

They do look to be alot of car though, but as said, non existent support or knowledge outside the dealer network
You might also ask yourself how many VW dealers are actually capable of looking after them properly given their relative rarity

[pscocoa]

Hi guys,

As above. Ma and Pa are potentially looking at the above. Not a definite by any means but just looking for some info for them.

I've done a little research already and it appears the petrol versions give really poor fuel economy (16mpg urban) which is fair enough for a car of that size but they want better than that. so i've looked at the diesel and figures look much healthier.

i've also been around the net and sadly there doesnt seem to be a proper owners forum. there's an off-shoot of a vw forum that has about 3 members! 

So. does anyone know if there are common faults, is it prone to breaking down (i assume not), and in general any negatives you guys know of (especially from the owners of such things). also i note they are all turbo diesels. are the turbos failure points?

cheers guys

Webby - there is a VW Phaeton Forum - many US members which may have influenced your view. The Phaeton was discontinued in the US about 8 years ago hence all the activity over there on keeping them going as well as a lot of our US friends have been Bentley customising them. The W12 and W8s they love over there are obviously seriously thirsty.

In Europe we have the sensible ones i.e. the V6 diesel - they are still big heavy cars at 2.5 tonnes or so with 4 wheel drive, 2 batteries, lots of toys BUT I regularly get 37 mpg on a run at decent speeds. I do not use it round town - Omega and Insignia for that job. Maintenance is reasonable but I also have a warranty at £400 a year just in case I get unlucky with a big item. Insurance is pretty good as well about £430 pa, road tax £480 or similar.

There is a planned UK GTG which happens this year on 23 November - St Albans way, Doz who used to be on OOF has gone to Phaeton from Omega and hopes to be there, Chrisgixer is threatening to turn up but it will be a different experience. No-one ever has any work to do on them so the meet is usually about enabling or disabling features with a VAGCOM - there are loads of features not covered in handbook and people work them out and post on website.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/forumdisplay.php?112-Phaeton

The suspension issues date back to the pre 2004 models where the air suspension controller was replaced in later models and huge expense if you got unlucky on an older version when parts were discontinued.

Happy to fill in on any specifics. Mine is 4 years old (I bought it new) and no problems at all touch wood - 37000 miles on rear tyres - coming up to MOT but they still look ok. Fronts did 27000 miles. Service is very reasonable compared to the BMW Merc etc

[Webby the Bear]

Thanks Taxi and PSC.

Firstly, the chain drive.... i'll check Autodata but is there a schedule time for replacement chain/guides/tensioners? or are they SUPPOSED to be sealed for life? obviously oil changes being important.

thanks for that forum link. ill check that out tonight.

would you say its a car that can be serviced by the DIYer? i'd prob be looking for bigger jobs to be done by the dealer.

do they do a workshop manual? or even a haynes?

PSC, i trust you take yours to your local dealer?

[cem_devecioglu]

I'll say 3 things..
 
those cars second hands are very very slow, so you can be a potential last owner.. (at least here)
 
I wouldnt like to push a 2.5 tonnes car when it fails completely..
 
what wrong with a 4 pot ordinary any sedan for elderly people..

[Sir Tigger KC]

I'll say 3 things..
 
those cars second hands are very very slow, so you can be a potential last owner.. (at least here)
 
I wouldnt like to push a 2.5 tonnes car when it fails completely..
 
what wrong with a 4 pot ordinary any sedan for elderly people..

What makes you think Webby's folks are elderly?    They might be though I suppose....     

[pscocoa]

http://www.volkspage.net/technik/ssp/ssp/SSP_350.pdf

Diesel engine spec - see above. I would not like to mess with it - no need to so far.

Best to take a look at some of the US comments they undertake some very large jobs on them and post the pics.

[Webby the Bear]

http://www.volkspage.net/technik/ssp/ssp/SSP_350.pdf

Diesel engine spec - see above. I would not like to mess with it - no need to so far.

Best to take a look at some of the US comments they undertake some very large jobs on them and post the pics.

Thanks for the info PSC. VERY much appreciated 

Would you be worried about attempting oil changes, filter changes and the like etc? Would really want to be able to do at least the basics especially oil changes.

I may post some queries up on that forum. especially re the chain drive. when i get on autodata ill try and get as much info back on this thread if it'll be useful to other folks

[chrisgixer]

Woo. Swirl flaps.

No instances of those failing? Like in the BMW's ? (I'm sure we would've heard if there was an issue)

[Webby the Bear]

My understanding of chain drive is its a sealed for life unit without a specified service interval. however thats assuming its had a good life regarding oil changes. not sure where youd stand if this was neglected.

[cem_devecioglu]

I'll say 3 things..
 
those cars second hands are very very slow, so you can be a potential last owner.. (at least here)
 
I wouldnt like to push a 2.5 tonnes car when it fails completely..
 
what wrong with a 4 pot ordinary any sedan for elderly people..

What makes you think Webby's folks are elderly?     They might be though I suppose.... 

yep..
 
when I become old, phaeton or similiar cars will never enter my probability list..  instead I would prefer a low cons, low tax, easy parking shopping trolley..