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.

799 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GT 4DR SALOON BLACK PANORAMIC ROOF

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
203.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Hi Spec Motors Limited

01282506563 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,599

Finance available £381 pm

1.5L
32.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF Estate One owner from new Full service history 5-Door

£2,950

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

German Cars

01934319960 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,700

1.5L
66.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Reduced

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 SE Business 4dr

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
38.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,998

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Wakefield Motorstore / Vanstore

01924664046 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (T) - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Taunton Automobiles

01823217637 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
73.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

County Car Company

01935311768 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

£14,000

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
68.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr DSG

£1,795

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

AR Cars

01254947703 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,399

Finance available £355 pm

2L
36.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch

01312874330 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack DSG 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,495

2L
81.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Hillington Motor Co Ltd

01414730658 *

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

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

1.6L
178.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

UK MOTORS N LIMITED

01162165638 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

B&F Cars Northampton

01604343399 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
80.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Mcmullin Motors

01752973034 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.6L
58.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr DSG

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Colebrook and Sons Ltd

01202145724 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros