Which is the most popular engine in the Volkswagen Passat?

Overwhelmingly, customers prefer the diesel engines in the Passat. These engines provide the absolute best compromise in terms of ample performance with excellent fuel economy.

What are the most popular trim levels?

With new Passat models, Volkswagen offers three trims: Life, Elegance and R-Line. Of these three, the R-Line has been among the most popular, likely because of its unique styling features and upgraded sportiness. These are very easy to find on the used market as a result. Older GT and SE models have also proved popular among Passat drivers.

What optional extras should I look out for?

The tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof is a desirable option, giving a roomier feel to the cabin. There's also a Black Styling Pack available with the R-Line, giving it a sleek and unique appearance on the road.

Is the Volkswagen Passat a good family car?

With plenty of space, four doors and a big boot, the Passat is a great family car. It's comfortable, safe and packed full of technology features, too.

Is there a hybrid version of the Volkswagen Passat?

There is a hybrid version of the Passat, known as the GTE. It features a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to create a combined 218bhp and an electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles, after which it automatically switches to petrol/electric hybrid power, allowing you to continue your journey.

Is the Volkswagen Passat available as an automatic?

Volkswagen has offered the Passat with a choice of an automatic or a manual gearbox, and both are plentiful on the used market.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Most Passat models have been built with front-wheel drive. There were some made with four-wheel drive, but they are difficult to find on the used market. Look for models badged as "4MOTION" - this is Volkswagen speak for all-wheel drive.

796 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 Turbo Diesel (TDI), BlueMotion Tech, Highline Edition, Estate, 5 Door,

Low Mileage

£8,299

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,150

Finance available £271 pm

1.4L
72.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

£19,489

Finance available £405 pm

1.5L
44.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Vospers Approved Used St Austell

01726213938 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps

£3,675

Finance available £60 pm

2L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PEELS WHEELS LIMITED

01524938217 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (60) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Drivers Choice Limited

01217288652 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - PARK SENSO

£17,983

Finance available £356 pm

2L
45.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carsa Durham

01388217377 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,250

Finance available £207 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Greenhill Autos

01386573316 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 - TSI Highline 4-Door

Reduced

£2,490

1.8L
101.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

DVP Car Sales Ltd

02039484651 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£19,785

Finance available £394 pm

1.4L
28.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - TSI EVO SEL 5-Door

£18,090

Finance available £359 pm

1.5L
46.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Fresh Motors Ltd

01953665835 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 1.4 TSI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr DSG

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Birmingham Motors Ltd

01217525226 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
102.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£11,699

Finance available £224 pm

1.6L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG [7 Speed] Auto

£14,148

2L
62.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Audi South East London (Beckenham)

02037808213 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE 4dr DSG (SAT NAV, FULL LEATHER)

£16,988

1.4L
42.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£2,899

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SPORTS & PERFORMANCE CARS

01706572037 *

2.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Oasis Vehicle Sales

01795503962 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

£11,400

Finance available £232 pm

2L
100.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI Elegance 5dr DSG

£30,990

1.5L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Why buy a used Volkswagen Passat?

If you're in the market for a car that's practical, comfortable on long drives and has a spacious interior, then a used Volkswagen Passat is a great choice. As one of the UK's top-selling cars, the Passat is an excellent motorway cruiser filled with modern technology and features. With several different bodystyles and efficient engines, it's not difficult to find a used Passat that meets your everyday motoring needs.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros

Excellent cruiser
Efficient diesel engines
Spacious design

Cons

Saloon can be impractical
Plain design
Rivals are better to drive

Read our Volkswagen Passat review

Volkswagen Passat video review

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Used Volkswagen Passat buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Volkswagen has built the Passat with petrol, diesel and mild-hybrid powerplants. These have been paired with an automatic or manual gearbox and front- or all-wheel drive.

Petrol

1.5 eTSI outputs 147bhp for a 9.2-second 0-62mph time and an efficiency rating of 51.8mpg.
Older 1.4-litre turbocharged engine generates either 123bhp or 148bhp.
An older 1.8-litre turbocharged engine produces 177bhp, and there's also been a top-performing 2.0-litre outputting 217bhp.
Plug-in GTE version has a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 218bhp and an electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles.

Diesel

Older 1.6-litre engine produces 118bhp with an efficiency rating of 76.3mpg.
2.0-litre option increases output to 148bhp or 187bhp offering a rating of up to 67.3mpg. These are the most popular engine choices.
2.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine generates 237bhp.

Practicality

Bigger than the Golf and Beetle, the Volkswagen Passat is a practical family car with plenty of space for people and cargo.

Interior space

Adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat allow for the best position, while the massaging feature offers more comfort on long drives.
Rear seat headroom and legroom adequate for tall adults.
ISOFIX mounting points have flip-up covers over them for protection.

Boot space

690-litre boot is more than the average of 500 litres for most cars in this segment.
Putting down the rear seats increases space to 1,920 litres.
Bumper is low to the ground and there's no boot lip to contend with.

Bodystyles

Estate model is still available with a longer body for added space.
Saloon was recently discontinued.
Other variants were inspired by the Passat, including the four-door coupé known as the CC, and the rugged version known as the Alltrack.

Safety

2014 Euro NCAP rating gives the Passat five stars.
Child occupant rating sits at 87%, with adult occupant earning 85%.
Standard safety kit includes adaptive cruise control and automatic parking for more confidence.

Technology

Large 12.9-inch touchscreen display is the focal point of the dashboard.
High-resolution 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system is easy to view.
Available Premium sound systems are available to provide more audio clarity and enjoyment.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

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Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros