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.

803 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£39,350

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

2L
90.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Vehicle Vault

01325522660 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 Passat SE Business TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,645

Finance available £260 pm

2L
75.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,895

Finance available £221 pm

2L
97.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Torque Motor Group Ltd

01484240503 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,000

2L
91.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Brook Williams Prestige

01215165545 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120

Low Mileage

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

1.6L
52.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI 150 R-Line [Panoramic Roof] 4-Door

Low Mileage

£14,990

1.4L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

John McGregor Broty

01382214143 *

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

£9,899

Finance available £199 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

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

£7,795

Finance available £152 pm

1.6L
92.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Autohub Northampton

01604343474 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr Estate Full service history £20 Road Tax ULEZ EURO 6

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

German Cars

01934319960 *

Volkswagen Passat2007 - 2.0 TDI Sport Euro 4 4dr

£1,650

2L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Shire Hampton Motors

01172331399 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (08) - 2.0 S TDI 5dr DSG

£1,995

2L
156.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Herts Car Sales Ltd

01992367364 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI 150ps SE 5dr Estate

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

2L
99.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Regent Garage

01766800157 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£9,500

Finance available £190 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Brant Road Motor Centre

01522303031 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

Reduced

£32,685

1.5L
12.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
121.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Paul Cupit Cars

01773303809 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - SPORT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£6,999

2L
95.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Chana Car Centre

02476936601 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 4dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
109.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

AUTOHAUS CHELTENHAM LTD T/a Greatfield Cars & Commercials

01242501609 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Reduced

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 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

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