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.

843 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,750

Finance available £330 pm

1.6L
38.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sam Creith Motors Ltd

02890026942 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,999

2L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

AutoLine

01212728555 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0L Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion Semi-Auto Estate 5dr Diesel

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
78.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£3,495

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Trade Centre Yorkshire Ltd

01904917547 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4Motion Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

2L
89.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£3,195

1.6L
237.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Burton Car Centre

01134676319 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (65) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr + SAT NAV / HEATED SEATS / DAB

Low Mileage

£9,975

Finance available £201 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,994

Finance available £246 pm

1.6L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£8,295

2L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

I H Vehicles

01494311318 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Drew Baxter Car Sales

02890023131 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,449

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
17.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Life DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£28,500

1.5L
6.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

1.4L
64.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£31,998

1.5L
2.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 Turbo Diesel (TDI), BlueMotion, Tech S, Estate, 5 Door, Manual, Euro 6,

£7,849

1.6L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG ONLY 55K MILES F.S.H/ULEZ FREE

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Valley Trade centre

01494312062 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

2L
67.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 1 Owner FSH 5-Door

£6,495

1.6L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Littlemoor Motor Company

01278555744 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£15,498

1.6L
52.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£9,995

1.4L
114.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

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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