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 Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

Reduced

£2,495

2L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Durdar Garage

01228273232 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI S 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,945

Finance available £200 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Sean O'Hara Cars

02890026918 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£7,795

Finance available £152 pm

1.5L
97.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Dereham Motor Company ltd

01362700376 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.4L
104.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Elite Autos NI

02890023616 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,899

Finance available £199 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

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

£14,595

Finance available £316 pm

2L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,650

Finance available £104 pm

2L
87.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Spratt Vehicle Solutions Ltd

02871226211 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,462

Finance available £379 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Strada Cars

01642262600 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,850

1.6L
56.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Newton & Lee Automotive Ltd

01207263738 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (60) - 2.0 GT TDI 170 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£2,999

2L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

EMIR & ADAM GROUPS LTD

01904917460 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (69) - SEL TDI DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,950

Finance available £428 pm

2L
26.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

THE CAR SOURCE

01416118631 *

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 Passat2012 (61) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr - full history - cambelt / water pump change

£1,950

2L
174.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

LC Car Sales

01206583593 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr DSG

£4,199

Finance available £71 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Auto Trend

01924975089 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 Turbo Diesel (TDI), GT Edition, Estate, Manual, Euro 6. 5-Door

£11,499

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

£9,990

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Bedford Car Centre

01234987603 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TSI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] Auto

Low Mileage

£16,485

Finance available £353 pm

2L
37.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Saloon

Cars2 Wakefield SEAT

01274087621 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO S Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,168

Finance available £205 pm

1.5L
62.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

GAH AUTOS LTD

01777801476 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£12,999

1.5L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

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