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.

749 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 GT TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

£1,790

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

TS Motors

01282509437 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,499

1.5L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.4 TSI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,949

1.4L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Cars 4 U

02038731380 *

4.3/5 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 Passat2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI GT 4dr (Panoramic Roof)

Reduced

£9,450

1.6L
84.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Listers Honda Northampton

01604343516 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (10) - R Line 2.0 TDI 110BHP White Low Mileage Manual Diesel R36 4-Door

Low Mileage

£3,499

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Circuit Automotive Ltd

01252415056 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£11,195

Finance available £228 pm

2L
38.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Easy Carz

01582211012 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£8,995

1.6L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Quality Cars and Commercials Ltd

01227203373 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£7,850

1.6L
82.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Evelan Car Sales

02890023161 *

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

£4,295

2L
134.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Northroute Cars

01143089078 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£4,995

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MF Motors Norwich Ltd

01603337394 *

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 Passat2021 (71) - MK8 Facelift Sal 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line EVO DSG 4-Door

£19,495

1.5L
34.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
69.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Stevenage Cars

01438908360 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Reduced

£5,400

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Juno Cars

01282501863 *

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 Passat2021 - MK8 Facelift Estate 1.5TSI 150 R-Line EVO DSG + VOLKSWAGEN WARRANTY Automat 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,499

1.5L
29.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

£14,490

Finance available £252 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 110 4dr

£1,895

2L
143.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

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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