Volkswagen Phaeton (2013)
2013 Volkswagen Phaeton
CarHunch analysed 101 real MOT records for the 2013 Volkswagen Phaeton. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2013 Phaeton passes its MOT slightly better than the UK average at 84.8% versus 80%, which is encouraging—but the headline concern is that over one-third of these cars (35.6%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above typical levels. This is a luxury saloon with real structural or safety issues lurking in the used market, so a pre-purchase inspection by a Volkswagen specialist is non-negotiable.
At 70,000 miles median, these Phaetons are reasonably used for their age, yet they're still averaging 1.74 failures and 10.2 advisories per test. The high advisory count suggests wear across multiple systems—electrics, trim, sensors—typical of an aging luxury car where small problems accumulate. Budget for a full pre-purchase diagnostic and expect ongoing maintenance costs; this is not a low-cost ownership proposition.
What to check before buying a 2013 Volkswagen Phaeton
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 35.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Volkswagen Phaeton
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2013 Volkswagen Phaeton vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2013 Volkswagen Phaeton vehicles fall between 52,348 and 102,761 miles.
2013 Volkswagen Phaeton — Still on the Road
75 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 78% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2016–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2013 Volkswagen Phaeton
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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44.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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37.7%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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32.3%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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25.4%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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22.3%
Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
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17.7%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
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16.2%
Parking brake efficiency below requirements
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15.4%
Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2013. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Volkswagen Phaeton?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.