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.

808 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.8 TSI 180 GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Low Mileage

£17,799

Finance available £375 pm

1.8L
14.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 Passat SEL TSi Evo Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,900

Finance available £218 pm

1.5L
88.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,250

Finance available £227 pm

1.5L
70.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Georgesons Cars

01518322203 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S 5-Door

Reduced

£4,150

2L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

B C S LTD

01162162529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£36,998

1.5L
2.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£5,995

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cardiff Cars Sales

02920028847 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 (60) - 2.0 Highline Plus BlueMotion - Top Spec - Sat nav / Full leather - 5-Door

£1,795

2L
170.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

Volkswagen Passat1.4 TSI High Line Estate Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£8,995

49.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£17,989

Finance available £368 pm

1.4L
37.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 1.9 BlueMotion TDI DPF 5dr

£695

1.9L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Bs5 Autosales

01174286084 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0L Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion Semi-Auto Estate 5dr Diesel

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
78.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 GT TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

£1,790

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

TS Motors

01282509437 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

1.4L
64.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,295

Finance available £319 pm

2L
64.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Warwick Hall Cars Limited

01616720739 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£8,223

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£13,860

Finance available £282 pm

1.5L
60.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Evans Halshaw Ford Bedford

01234987593 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport 4-Door

£4,995

2L
117.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Carnegie Cars

01383668348 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 - Executive TDI BlueMotion Technology 5-Door

£5,950

1.6L
107.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG ADAPTIVE CRUISE SAT NAV timing belt done

£5,995

2L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

JD Cars

01443809140 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

GF Cars

02890023191 *

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.

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