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 Passat2012 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Newcastle Runabouts

01913387314 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
81.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Rhondda Motor Company

01443803258 *

Volkswagen Passat2006 (06) - 1.9 SE TDI 5dr + 9 SERVICES / AIR CON / CRUISE

Low Mileage

£2,775

1.9L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Meehan Motors

02890024612 *

Volkswagen Passat2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£23,800

Finance available £442 pm

1.5L
20.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - TSI EVO SEL 4-Door

Low Mileage

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
14.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Wheelers Chipping Norton

01608692663 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr DSG

£15,998

1.6L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Clydebank)

01389311152 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

£15,498

2L
76.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Huddersfield)

01484506234 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,299

Finance available £353 pm

2L
36.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch

01312874330 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen PassatW8 4 MOTION 4.0 FULL LEATHER * LOW MILES * TOP GRADE Auto

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

4L
67.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

The Car Warehouse

01642937563 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5d 148 BHP 5-Door

£9,000

2L
76.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hearsall Common Car Sales

02475105300 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

£3,000

2L
116.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2005 - 1.9 TDI PD SE 4-Door

£1,595

1.9L
170.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Central Automotive

01522458044 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£12,450

Finance available £256 pm

1.4L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

William Coates Cars

01262410927 *

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

Reduced

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

1.6L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,690

Finance available £149 pm

1.6L
72.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Swift Cars south Wales Ltd

01495369894 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG Automatic 5-Door

£31,875

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - TSI GTE 5-Door

£11,489

1.4L
99.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

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

Low Mileage

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
67.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

CAR & CARS LTD

01506376863 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI HIGHLINE PPLUS ESTATE 5DR DIESEL MANUAL EURO 5 (170 ps) NAV

£1,944

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Van Sales Company

01616944772 *

0/5 Stars

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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