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.

791 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
105.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cattedown Trade Centre

01752426030 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 4dr DSG

£13,849

Finance available £278 pm

1.4L
69.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat1988 (E) - GL5 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Yorkshire Classic & Sports Cars

01765532620 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TSI Sport 5-Door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
113.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR R-Line 5dr DSG

£20,364

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Perrys Bolton Cupra

01204584566 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
96.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£29,998

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

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 Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

D2 Motors

02890026931 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr estate car

Low Mileage

£4,550

Finance available £79 pm

1.6L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harley Motors Ltd

01945661436 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,650

Finance available £255 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG

Reduced

£38,490

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,680

Finance available £289 pm

2L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (60) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Drivers Choice Limited

01217288652 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (58) - 2.0 TDI Highline Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 4 (140 ps)

£995

2L
180.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

LMS Motors Ltd

01865596842 *

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

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
41.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Botley Car Centre Limited

01489661104 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

Low Mileage

£17,800

Finance available £323 pm

1.4L
30.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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 *

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