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.

791 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2019 (55) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.6L
28.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Paul Williamson Cars Ltd

01343612230 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Eric Ellis Jones Brynsiriol Garage

01970600366 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
164.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2007 (07) - 2007 Volkswagen Passat 3.2 v6 petrol automatic leather ulez compliant 4-Door

Low Mileage

£1,690

3.2L
119.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

GPS Transporters

01280730894 *

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

Reduced

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (61) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr - full history - cambelt / water pump change

£1,950

2L
174.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

LC Car Sales

01206583593 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£9,126

1.6L
71.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Honda Clitheroe

01200409818 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - TSI EVO R-Line 5-Door

Reduced

£14,995

1.5L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Premier Car Supermarket Ltd

01283241542 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.8 TSI SE DSG Euro 5 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,500

1.8L
83.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Star Cars London

02037726236 *

3.7/5 Stars

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

£12,969

Finance available £267 pm

1.4L
64.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Cambridge Motorworks Ltd

01763290962 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

EVOLVE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01793680983 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Lodge Car Sales LTD

01217525796 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,290

Finance available £297 pm

1.5L
48.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

ZWBA CARS LTD

01536211853 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 TDI Highline DSG Euro 4 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

WHEELS 4 LESS NORFOLK LTD

01603937331 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 eTSI R-Line 5dr DSG

£35,490

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed]

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

DIRECT CAR SALES LIMITED

01233229365 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Hill Top Motor Company Ltd

01623259363 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr Estate Full service history £20 Road Tax ULEZ EURO 6

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

German Cars

01934319960 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (74) - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£32,795

1.5L
1.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

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