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.

761 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

Low Mileage

£15,996

Finance available £342 pm

2L
61.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

2L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

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 Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

£8,400

Finance available £165 pm

2L
108.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

WISHAW CAR SALES LTD

01698538886 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 5dr DSG

Reduced

£2,595

2L
140.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Lane Williams Ltd

01278555737 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£20,999

Finance available £447 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£14,999

Finance available £303 pm

2L
70.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Store Manchester

01616944756 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13KWH GTE DSG 4dr DSG (APPLE CAR PLAY, FULL LEATHER)

Reduced

£19,988

1.4L
15.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
80.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr

£15,599

Finance available £316 pm

1.5L
56.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£13,498

2L
44.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Preston)

01772957336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 4dr

£16,555

Finance available £348 pm

1.5L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

iGEN Autos

02890023662 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£13,099

Finance available £262 pm

2L
71.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£10,499

2L
49.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Swindon Car Sales Ltd

01793680986 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

Reduced

£4,500

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grange Farm Motors

01913002460 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

2L
131.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

DandLMotors

01777801470 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - R Line 2.0 TDI 110BHP White Low Mileage Manual Diesel R36 4-Door

Low Mileage

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Circuit Automotive Ltd

01252415056 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 1.8 R-Line TSI 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.8L
101.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

R&D Motors

01460201373 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BMT Executive Style 5dr ++ SAT NAV / 35 TAX / DAB / LEATHER ++

Low Mileage

£8,375

Finance available £165 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£45,190

1.5L
10.0
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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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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