Volkswagen Phaeton (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 270 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2967cc Diesel

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2967cc15 years old270 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2967cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/wk

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

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 270 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 117,228 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models197th of 595(top half)

Rank among Volkswagen models634th of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average+8%(77% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+0%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

117,228

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton had 117,228 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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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 2011 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Phaeton by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	93%	40	101,099 mi
2013	84%	161	100,283 mi
2012	90%	281	88,241 mi
2011	85%	270	117,228 mi
2010	87%	157	119,557 mi
2009	85%	193	124,937 mi
2008	88%	184	120,893 mi
2007	84%	168	123,380 mi
2006	81%	175	111,895 mi
2005	72%	75	129,488 mi
2004	86%	72	119,058 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Range Rover

2013 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,491/year

88%

+3%

Audi A4

2011 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

82%

-3%

Jaguar XF

2013 · 2993cc Diesel

£2,491/year

82%

-3%

Audi A5

2013 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

85%

same

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About the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton

The 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is a large car. Our records list a 2967cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 270 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 117,228 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Phaeton owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton Fuel Costs

The 2967cc 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 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton

At 15 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 out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 117k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2011 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(2011)	85%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491
Land Rover Range Rover(2013)	88%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A4(2011)	82%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Jaguar XF(2013)	82%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A5(2013)	85%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same

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 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton

Is the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2011 Volkswagen Phaetons ended in a pass, from 270 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 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton?

85% of 270 MOT tests on the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 197th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (top half).

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 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is 117,228 miles, which is above the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.