Volkswagen Phaeton (2009)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 193 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,841
£237/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
4921cc Diesel
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £2,841/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
85% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Phaetons from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 193 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 124,937 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
124,937
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton had 124,937 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2009 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Volkswagen Phaeton by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
The 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4921cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 193 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2009 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 124,937 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Phaeton owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 Volkswagen Phaeton Fuel Costs
The 4921cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,841 (£237/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Volkswagen Phaeton Reliability Trend
The Volkswagen Phaeton has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
At 17 years old, the Volkswagen Phaeton is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 125k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Phaeton(2009) | 85% | £1,676 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2,841 |
| Mercedes ML(2009) | 81% | £1,676 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2,841same |
| Toyota Land Cruiser(2011) | 91% | £1,676 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2,691-£150 |
| Toyota Landcruiser(2008) | 79% | £1,676 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2,991+£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
Is the 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2009 Volkswagen Phaetons ended in a pass, from 193 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,841 a year (£237 a month): £1,676 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton?
85% of 193 MOT tests on the 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 124th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (top 23%).
Which year Volkswagen Phaeton has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2006 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is 124,937 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Volkswagen Models
Explore other Volkswagen cars or similar models in the same category.
Volkswagen Golf
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
Volkswagen Polo
2015 · 1198cc Petrol
Volkswagen Tiguan
2018 · 1968cc Diesel
Mercedes ML
2009 · 4966cc Diesel
Toyota Land Cruiser
2011 · 4461cc Diesel
Toyota Landcruiser
2008 · 4477cc Diesel
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