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.

780 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI R-Line 4dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£12,450

Finance available £256 pm

1.4L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

William Coates Cars

01262410927 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£2,700

1.6L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Sheffield Trade Center

01145537260 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
112.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Pavilion Motor Company

01614139866 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr

£13,749

2L
77.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,990

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£4,495

2L
104.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£16,995

Finance available £299 pm

1.4L
55.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Radius Vehicle Solutions

02890023225 *

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

£3,699

2L
169.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Alcester Motor Company ltd

01926352149 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Business DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,800

Finance available £197 pm

1.5L
97.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Star Cars London

02037726236 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr

£1,750

1.6L
212.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,994

Finance available £246 pm

1.6L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,750

Finance available £307 pm

2L
61.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Williams GB Ltd

01614700090 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,699

Finance available £328 pm

1.6L
41.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI SE Business 5dr

£4,295

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

J26 Vans & Trucks Limited

01156977778 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr

£3,295

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Amayr Car Sales

02920028833 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£12,699

Finance available £261 pm

2L
51.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.6 TDI SEL 120PS DSG + VOLKSWAGEN WARRANTY Automatic 4-Door

Low Mileage

£18,199

1.6L
23.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £181 pm

1.5L
27.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

HALLAM CAR SALES LTD

01143086615 *

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

£7,995

1.6L
134.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 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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