VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 281 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
281
Avg Mileage
88,241 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 12 years old, 90% of VOLKSWAGEN PHAETONs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 281 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,241 miles.
How does the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON has 88,241 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON by Year
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON?
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About the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON
The 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON is a performance with a 5998cc petrol engine. 281 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 88,241 miles at 12 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON Fuel Costs
The 5998cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN PHAETONs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON
At 12 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.
Alternatives to the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BENTLEY CONTINENTAL (2012) 95% pass rate (+5%) from 2,452 tests
- MERCEDES S-CLASS (2011) 87% pass rate (-3%) from 2,202 tests
- MERCEDES SL (2010) 88% pass rate (-2%) from 955 tests
- ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE (2014) 95% pass rate (+5%) from 885 tests