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.

759 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2007 (57) - 2.0 SE TDI 4dr

£695

2L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Car Sales Wolverhampton ltd

01902907842 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - TDI SEL 5-Door

£14,995

1.6L
61.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

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 Passat2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,299

1.6L
92.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI SE Business Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£6,850

Finance available £131 pm

2L
128.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Cotswolds Cars and Commercials Ltd

07860560059 *

4.1/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
80.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Mcmullin Motors

01752973034 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 GT 5dr DSG

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
0.0
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

A J MOTORS MK LTD

01908767373 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£18,889

Finance available £388 pm

1.4L
32.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Colliss Motors

01985807078 *

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

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

German Cars

01934319960 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 5dr DSG

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - TSI GTE 5-Door

£11,489

1.4L
99.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - SE TDI 2.0 140 PS BMT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
86.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Dapper Motors

01745776770 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

Reduced

£14,795

Finance available £308 pm

2L
56.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Supreme Motors NI

02882449414 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - SE Nav 1.5 TSI EVO 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£17,159

1.5L
41.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - TDI R-Line 4-Door

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

2L
91.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Avenue Cars of Gloucester Ltd

01452227348 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Motorline Car Sales

01162160117 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£32,995

Finance available £657 pm

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI (204ps) Life eHybrid DSG 5-Door

£32,990

1.5L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Auto Pro X

02895908086 *

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.

View guides

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