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.

766 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.4 TSI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,949

Finance available £200 pm

1.4L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Cars 4 U

02038731380 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

£17,499

Finance available £361 pm

1.5L
53.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps)

£10,895

Finance available £221 pm

1.4L
75.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 5-Door

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
222.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£9,695

Finance available £194 pm

1.4L
107.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Sean Kearney Cars

02890026883 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 - HIGHLINE TDI 4-Door

£2,295

2L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Dhillon Motor Co

02392000337 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr DSG

£15,998

1.6L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Clydebank)

01389311152 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MERIT MOTORS LTD

01204324385 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - Se Business Tdi Bluemotion Tech Dsg 5-Door

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

G R Carter Motors

01493807078 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Westgate Motor Centre

01274089104 *

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

£1,750

1.6L
212.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps)

Reduced

£6,995

1.4L
85.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Hodgson Specialist Cars Ltd

01942365192 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.4 TSI GT Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

£10,395

Finance available £210 pm

1.4L
112.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Extra Mile Motors Ltd

01761250725 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 5dr

£3,699

Finance available £60 pm

2L
169.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£15,495

1.6L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Harding Motor Company Ltd

01513174813 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 4-Door

£8,400

Finance available £165 pm

2L
108.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

WISHAW CAR SALES LTD

01698538886 *

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

Low Mileage

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Maldon Cars and Vans Ltd

01621734635 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Alltrack 4x4 F.S.H 5-Door

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

2L
114.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Godden Motor Company

02392006095 *

0/5 Stars

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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