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.

805 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,250

Finance available £162 pm

2L
103.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr DSG

£5,695

Finance available £105 pm

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Parley Car Centre

01202145670 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 Passat SE Business TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,595

Finance available £259 pm

2L
75.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL 5dr DSG

Reduced

£10,795

Finance available £219 pm

1.6L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GT Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
106.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Tore Car Sales

01463217401 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,450

1.5L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£13,995

Finance available £284 pm

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

Volkswagen Passat2003 (52) - 2.0 SE 130 4dr

Reduced

£1,695

2L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Brian Baker Cars

02382025710 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£12,449

Finance available £248 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch

01733309722 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
314.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Motorize LTD

01274028108 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) Adaptive

Low Mileage

£16,990

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£11,800

Finance available £246 pm

1.4L
92.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SE Nav 5dr DSG

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

1.4L
72.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr + PANROOF / NAV / ULEZ / 18 INCH ALLOYS / HALF LEATHER

£14,475

Finance available £301 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
160.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 - 1.8 TSI 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

1.8L
128.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

HF Bows Motor Sales

01144788634 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI (272ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG + CLICK AND COLLECT Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£37,998

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr Auto

£9,550

Finance available £191 pm

1.4L
74.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Riverside BYD

01924927456 *

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