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.

763 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0L SE Nav TDI Semi-Auto Saloon 4dr Diesel Euro 6 (148 bhp)

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
56.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Pick A Car

01482429234 *

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

£6,995

2L
93.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

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

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Imperial Car And Van Sales Ltd

01145510329 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - 1.6 TDI GT 4dr

£7,645

Finance available £148 pm

1.6L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MOD Motors

02890026872 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
102.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Meehan Motors

02890024612 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 - 2.0 Passat Sport TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

£2,495

2L
167.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Ripon Auto Centre

01765530144 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,950

Finance available £267 pm

1.4L
65.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

Reduced

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mark Vickers Car Sales

01246381035 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - Executive TDI BlueMotion Technology 5-Door

£5,950

Finance available £111 pm

1.6L
107.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

Volkswagen Passat(65) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

49.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,450

Finance available £379 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Williams GB Ltd

01614700090 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,095

1.6L
178.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

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 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Argentarii Cars

01452227270 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£31,808

1.5L
10.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI (204ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£37,305

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Newcastle Runabouts

01913387314 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

£7,494

2L
133.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Gem Motors Limited

01443801068 *

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