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.

762 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
96.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

£15,998

1.6L
50.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door

£35,795

1.5L
5.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 BiTDI SCR GT 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Reduced

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

2L
64.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

RB Cars

01989551050 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2010 (60) - 2.0 TDI Highline Plus DSG Euro 5 5dr

£2,500

2L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

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 Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,893

Finance available £109 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AM Car Solutions Limited

01543229540 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£8,000

Finance available £153 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.5 TSI 150 Evo DSG 5-Door

£19,750

Finance available £402 pm

1.5L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Dales SEAT at Scorrier

01209704144 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6L SE TDI Semi-Auto Saloon 4dr Diesel Euro 6 (118 bhp)

£12,995

1.6L
74.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

2L
70.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Northumberland Motor Village

01665660980 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

£1,750

1.6L
212.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr - Fully loaded -

£1,595

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - VR32 4Motion DSG...Service and Mot 1st May... Only 42385 Miles

Reduced

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

3.2L
42.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Not Supplied

Four Crosses Garage

01743292166 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
109.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Bells Budget Centre

02890023163 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 (73) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

£25,990

2L
20.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Reduced

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mark Vickers Car Sales

01246381035 *

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 (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 Passat2016 (Z8) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Reduced

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Durham Cars 4 U

01915945586 *

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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