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.

764 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Reduced

£2,495

1.6L
161.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Buccaneer Motor Company Ltd

01935319836 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£20,195

Finance available £446 pm

1.4L
29.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr [Panoramic Roof]

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2006 (06) - 2.0 TDI Sport DSG Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,500

2L
109.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

JUST-MOTORS NW LTD

01615498399 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - TSI EVO SEL 4-Door

Low Mileage

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
14.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Wheelers Chipping Norton

01608692663 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 TDI Highline DSG Euro 4 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

WHEELS 4 LESS NORFOLK LTD

01603937331 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (24

Low Mileage

£15,857

Finance available £339 pm

2L
61.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.6 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£15,495

1.6L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Harding Motor Company Ltd

01513174813 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 Passat GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 4dr

£10,975

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
73.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,795

Finance available £381 pm

2L
21.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Evogo Limited

01145537251 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£11,650

Finance available £238 pm

2L
81.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SM Cars Norwich

02039537466 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav 4dr

£17,498

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Arnold Clark Peugeot/SEAT/Cupra/Skoda (Edinburgh)

01312025128 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£4,950

Finance available £88 pm

2L
85.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

William Coates Cars

01262410927 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 5dr

£7,195

Finance available £138 pm

2L
88.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 - Volkswagen Passat 1.6 S 5drs

£6,750

Finance available £128 pm

1.6L
90.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Blackpole Trade and Save

01905672183 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,450

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - R-Line 1.4 TSI ACT 150PS 6-speed Manual 4 Door Manual

Low Mileage

£12,520

1.4L
49.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Estate 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (218 ps

£19,126

Finance available £380 pm

1.4L
28.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr

£2,899

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SPORTS & PERFORMANCE CARS

01706572037 *

2.1/5 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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