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 (16) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

Reduced

£4,500

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grange Farm Motors

01913002460 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI (204ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG 5-Door

£39,990

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - MK8 Facelift Saloon 1.5 TSI 150 SE Nav EVO 4-Door

£13,495

1.5L
54.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Saloon

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£13,995

Finance available £284 pm

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,850

Finance available £131 pm

2L
128.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cotswolds Cars and Commercials Ltd

07860560059 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

DK Motor Cars

01727221656 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£5,875

Finance available £109 pm

2L
88.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Bros Motors

01613887634 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 Passat SE Business TSi Evo Semi-Auto 5dr

Reduced

£11,700

Finance available £239 pm

1.5L
80.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Big Car World

01164029117 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,800

Finance available £286 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£9,650

Finance available £193 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

iCars Automotive Ltd

07482502192 *

Volkswagen Passat2007 - 2.0 TDI Sport Euro 4 4dr

£1,650

2L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Shire Hampton Motors

01172331399 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,359

Finance available £376 pm

1.5L
32.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.8 TSI S 4dr

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.8L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

NJH Car Sales

01792940611 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI GT 4dr

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

1.6L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS DSG 5Door Estate

Reduced

£33,990

1.5L
4.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

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

£7,495

1.6L
90.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

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 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£12,298

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Motorstore Kia/MG (Liverpool)

01513179472 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motor Express

07305693901 *

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