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.

826 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,100

Finance available £203 pm

2L
84.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hammond Cars Great Yarmouth

01493806041 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

£9,998

2L
82.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Blackwood Used Car Ltd

02890021467 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Low Mileage

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

2L
47.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£13,469

Finance available £270 pm

2L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,880

Finance available £243 pm

1.4L
99.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

Reduced

£2,500

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

EH Traders Ltd

01274059188 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

£10,650

Finance available £216 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Mac Motors

02890023774 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI Alltrack Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£13,000

Finance available £274 pm

2L
83.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr Manual

£12,295

1.5L
62.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£29,849

Finance available £632 pm

1.5L
4.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr + SAT NAV / 20 TAX / ULEZ / DAB

Low Mileage

£10,875

Finance available £221 pm

1.6L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr

£6,975

Finance available £134 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Village Autosales NI

02890026938 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Manual

£17,695

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.6L
116.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,899

Finance available £392 pm

1.4L
35.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.8 TSI R-Line 4-Door

Reduced

£13,699

Finance available £284 pm

1.8L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Chastons Motor Company Limited

01495360311 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr FULL SERVICE HISTORY

£5,995

2L
134.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Speedway Garage Gunness Limited

01724514211 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 Tsi Ehybrid R-Line 5Dr Dsg

£36,254

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Volkswagen Newcastle Scotswood Road

01916077232 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£17,449

Finance available £356 pm

2L
53.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2006 (56) - 2.0 TDI SE DSG Euro 4 4dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Affordable Cars

01234230806 *

4/5 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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