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.

769 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£3,795

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Westgate Motor Centre

01274089104 *

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

01163668351 *

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

Reduced

£14,490

1.4L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

John McGregor Broty

01382214143 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£19,295

Finance available £376 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Donnelly Mallusk Motorstore

02895908087 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (71) - MK8 Facelift Est 1.5TSI 150 R-Line EVO DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£11,980

1.5L
127.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Trans City Car Centre

02039095475 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Reduced

£5,400

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Juno Cars

01282501863 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 (62) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£4,950

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

Preseli Car Sales

01834820915 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr DSG

£6,395

Finance available £121 pm

2L
118.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

JS Motors

07804653822 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 4dr DSG

£12,990

1.4L
71.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat1 960 CC VOLKS W PASSAT VARIANT TDI

Low Mileage

£12,990

45.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - PADDLE SHIFT

£16,422

Finance available £324 pm

1.5L
55.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2003 (53) - 1.9 TDI PD Highline 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.9L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Small Cars Online

01823217645 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (09) - 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr + 12 MONTHS MOT / SENSORS / CLIMATE / PRIVACY

Low Mileage

£3,975

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

1.4L
69.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Stevenage Cars

01438908360 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150

Reduced

£5,295

2L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2009 - TSI Highline 4-Door

Reduced

£2,490

1.8L
101.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

DVP Car Sales Ltd

02039484651 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 p

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
82.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 - S TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Chris Waite Car Sales Ltd

01495369898 *

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

Low Mileage

£4,275

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

ID Robertshaw Car Sales

01515417931 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Meehan Motors

02890024612 *

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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