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.

779 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr DSG

£16,950

Finance available £356 pm

2L
91.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Tamlaght Auto Sales

02890026907 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,395

Finance available £98 pm

2L
82.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE 5dr DSG

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

MSP (NW) Ltd

01706391368 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,000

Finance available £370 pm

2L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE 4dr

£11,739

Finance available £233 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch

01733309722 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,495

2L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Oasis Vehicle Sales

01795503962 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£2,899

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SPORTS & PERFORMANCE CARS

01706572037 *

2.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - R-Line 1.4 TSI ACT 150PS 7-speed DSG 4 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£14,959

1.4L
42.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr

Low Mileage

£12,857

2L
35.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Marshall Volvo Derby

01332318472 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,500

Finance available £287 pm

1.5L
56.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

Volkswagen PassatR-Line Tsi Dsg

Low Mileage

£14,995

29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Ej's Cars Limited

01782432157 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 1.8 TSI Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,350

1.8L
70.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

UM MOTORS LTD

02038934275 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Auto Pro X

02895908086 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£16,995

Finance available £299 pm

1.4L
55.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Radius Vehicle Solutions

02890023225 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI Highline Euro 5 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,000

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

JMY Car Sales Ltd

01245202308 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG Estate

Low Mileage

£38,332

1.5L
2.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Lincoln

01522467379 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£2,295

2L
142.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

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

Reduced

£31,808

1.5L
10.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£9,495

2L
121.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Paul Cupit Cars

01773303809 *

Volkswagen Passat1 960 CC VOLKS W PASSAT VARIANT TDI

Low Mileage

£12,990

45.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

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.

View guides

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