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.

878 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB ++

£10,475

Finance available £212 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
42.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

TIME MOTORS LIMITED

01156849371 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2007 (07) - 2.0 TDI Sport DSG Euro 4 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,250

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Drive Time Specialist Cars Limited

01217288826 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£5,250

Finance available £112 pm

2L
64.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Lamberts Used Car Sales ltd

01392344504 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£3,100

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Car 4 Everyone Ltd

01902904121 *

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 Passat1988 (E) - GL5 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

2L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Yorkshire Classic & Sports Cars

01765532620 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

GT Automotive

01902937679 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 4dr

£16,299

Finance available £287 pm

2L
47.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

cinch

01792001651 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,999

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Karhouse

01494291900 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 5dr

£4,650

1.6L
149.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Michael Fee Motors

02890024609 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,799

Finance available £429 pm

1.5L
2.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI GT ESTATE 5dr DSG + LEATHER + PANROOF +,£20 YR TAX + 12 MONTH MOT

Reduced

£8,290

2L
160.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Apex Auto Traders Ltd

01134689005 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Low Mileage

£11,890

Finance available £243 pm

2L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Monarch Car Sales

01905673241 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£12,995

1.6L
60.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
79.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Leeds Motor Company (Burley place)

01134675316 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£15,685

Finance available £284 pm

2L
61.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Donnelly Bros Citroen (Dungannon)

02887440646 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE Advance 4dr DSG

£17,998

1.4L
44.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Nottingham Motorstore / Vanstore

01158964024 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (61) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (140 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £188 pm

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Northern Autos Ltd

01254457271 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£36,652

1.5L
4.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

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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