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.

828 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 SE Business 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£12,998

1.5L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Aberdeen Hyundai / OMODA / JAECOO

01224907796 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Jack McCaughern Trade Sales

02890023686 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr

£3,795

2L
164.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 Passat SEL TSi Evo Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,750

Finance available £215 pm

1.5L
88.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,990

Finance available £301 pm

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

MSP (NW) Ltd

01706391368 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 SE BUSINESS TDI BMT DIESEL 150 BHP ESTATE 5 DR , F.S.H , £20 ROAD TAX

£6,995

2L
130.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

G5 Autos Ltd (Appointment Only)

01482947637 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

£17,049

Finance available £348 pm

1.4L
36.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£29,990

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wrights Motors

01366310748 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£16,949

Finance available £349 pm

2L
37.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 4dr DSG

£16,060

1.5L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Evans Halshaw Ford Darlington

01325521605 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162165692 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.6L
16.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

S M G Rover

01174286788 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£11,486

1.5L
82.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,795

Finance available £353 pm

1.6L
34.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - SE BUSINESS TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 1 Owner FSH 5-Door

£6,495

1.6L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Littlemoor Motor Company

01278555744 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

£3,295

2L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

BROOKE CARS M65 LIMITED

01254457250 *

0/5 Stars

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

£4,250

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,499

Finance available £101 pm

1.6L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - Sel Tdi Dsg 5-Door

£21,120

Finance available £449 pm

2L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

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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