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.

807 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
41.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Botley Car Centre Limited

01489661104 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£47,990

1.5L
10.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Newcastle Runabouts

01913387314 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£25,400

Finance available £476 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£7,795

Finance available £152 pm

1.6L
92.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Autohub Northampton

01604343474 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,750

Finance available £106 pm

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MUSTANG AUTOS LIMITED

01535280746 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,650

Finance available £283 pm

1.4L
84.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr DSG

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
126.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Swift Car Sales Lillyhall

01900511074 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.4 Passat GTe Semi-Auto 4dr

Low Mileage

£13,600

Finance available £282 pm

1.4L
35.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Grays of Holbeach

01406430115 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,298

2L
56.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Fiat Motorstore Jeep Abarth (Oldbury)

01215166056 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - R-Line 2.0 TSI 220PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£17,972

2L
52.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - HIGHLINE TSI +ULEZ COMPLAINT+FULL HISTORY+3M WARRANTY 4-Door

Reduced

£5,910

Finance available £110 pm

1.4L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

GL1 Car Sales

01452224639 *

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 Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£3,000

2L
123.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

JT Car Sales Worksop Ltd

01909498731 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - TDI BlueMotion 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
93.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Powells Motors MOT

01709288261 *

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 Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (140

Reduced

£3,700

Finance available £60 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Value Car Centre

01603512116 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,395

Finance available £165 pm

1.6L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Signature Motor Sales

01274059708 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TSI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] Auto

Low Mileage

£16,485

Finance available £353 pm

2L
37.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Cars2 Wakefield SEAT

01274087621 *

4.5/5 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

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros