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.

778 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - AIR CON

£18,846

Finance available £375 pm

2L
36.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

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

£20,699

Finance available £440 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2023 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£22,986

Finance available £501 pm

1.5L
21.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
74.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£2,450

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

B&F Cars Northampton

01604343399 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grampian Cars

01261450003 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,100

Finance available £285 pm

2L
46.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI SEL 4dr DSG

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.6L
97.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE DSG 5-Door

£17,687

Finance available £358 pm

1.4L
41.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£8,970

2L
81.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech R-Line 5dr

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

2L
92.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,490

Finance available £75 pm

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Prestigio Cars Ltd

01908767389 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£6,395

Finance available £121 pm

2L
118.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

JS Motors

07804653822 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,695

Finance available £150 pm

1.6L
70.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Advantage Vehicles Limited

01270297248 *

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 Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

£11,299

Finance available £230 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Congleton Autos

01260543872 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL 5dr DSG

£18,999

Finance available £402 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,595

Finance available £58 pm

2L
141.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 5dr

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

2L
134.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Northroute Cars

01143089078 *

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