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.

799 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
134.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,399

Finance available £456 pm

1.5L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0L Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion Semi-Auto Estate 5dr Diesel

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
78.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Dundee car sales LTD

01382768505 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Reduced

£3,799

Finance available £63 pm

1.6L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Penarth Marina Sales and Boat Services

02921676478 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,700

2L
86.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
115.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Marello Car Sales

01463217394 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 5dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Diesels Direct

01502441258 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,489

Finance available £123 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 4dr DSG

£9,495

2L
129.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr DSG

£1,795

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

AR Cars

01254947703 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,690

Finance available £261 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

East Kilbride Used Cars

01412601336 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£13,494

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech R-Line 5dr DSG TIMING BELT DONE

Reduced

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
80.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,298

1.6L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Bishopbriggs Renault / Dacia / Vanstore

01416118578 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,799

2L
155.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

Reduced

£4,500

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grange Farm Motors

01913002460 *

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 Passat2018 (67) - 1.4 TSI R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

1.4L
49.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,299

1.6L
108.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

Low Mileage

£12,999

Finance available £252 pm

2L
72.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

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

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Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Pros