The VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON (2003-10) 4DR SALOON 4MOTION 5.0 V10 TDI TIPTRONIC AUTO 4 SEAT is a large, luxurious four-door saloon built to rival premium flagships such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. In the UK it sits above ordinary family cars, offering discreet Volkswagen styling with a powerful diesel engine, automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. It suits drivers seeking quiet, comfortable long-distance travel, executive use or a distinctive used luxury car, rather than tight city parking or low running costs. Mycarcheck.com recorded 19 checks covering eight different VINs, so the figures offer a useful snapshot, not a full-market survey. The average private-sale valuation was £2,100, with average recorded mileage of 172,000 miles and around 4,000 miles driven annually. Its appeal is the rare combination of a V10 diesel’s effortless pull and all-weather grip with understated comfort. Check any example carefully for maintenance history and condition because of its age and mileage.