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.

810 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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 Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 4dr

£16,940

Finance available £356 pm

1.5L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

iGEN Autos

02890023662 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI GT ESTATE 5dr DSG + LEATHER + PANROOF +,£20 YR TAX + 12 MONTH MOT

Reduced

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

2L
160.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Apex Auto Traders Ltd

01134689005 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 Turbo Diesel (TDI), GT Edition, Estate, Manual, Euro 6. 5-Door

£11,499

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
84.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£7,495

1.6L
90.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 4dr DSG

£13,999

Finance available £282 pm

1.4L
69.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MH Motors

02890021687 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S 5-Door

£4,750

Finance available £84 pm

2L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

B C S LTD

01162162529 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (14

Low Mileage

£8,795

2L
69.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TSI R-Line Edition DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
39.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Wave Motor Group

01254919289 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
95.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mulligan Motors

02830441538 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - HIGHLINE TSI +ULEZ COMPLAINT+FULL HISTORY+3M WARRANTY 4-Door

Reduced

£5,910

Finance available £110 pm

1.4L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

GL1 Car Sales

01452224639 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,795

Finance available £353 pm

1.6L
34.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£17,699

Finance available £362 pm

1.4L
52.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2007 - 2.0 TDI Sport 4-Door

£2,000

2L
143.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Widowhill Cars

01282506567 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,895

Finance available £416 pm

1.4L
15.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,700

Finance available £261 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

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