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.

805 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Executive 4dr - 12 month mot -

Reduced

£2,195

2L
180.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL ESTATE AUTOMATIC 5-Door

£15,795

Finance available £331 pm

1.5L
87.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Llanfoist Car Sales

01873771886 *

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

£7,495

1.6L
90.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£24,300

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
20.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 (60) - 2.0 TDI Highline Plus DSG Euro 5 5dr

£2,500

2L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - TSI GTE 4-Door

£11,795

Finance available £241 pm

1.4L
71.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Avenue Cars of Gloucester Ltd

01452227348 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI CR BlueMotion Tech 4dr [5 seat]

Reduced

£2,750

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

EH Traders Ltd

01274059188 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (T) - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Taunton Automobiles

01823217637 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SE Nav 4dr DSG

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

John Griffiths Cars Ltd

01778308207 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

1.6L
109.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Pattersons Portadown

02890023709 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SCR 190 R-Line 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£12,789

Finance available £255 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Saloon

cinch Store Birmingham

01216618749 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£12,595

1.4L
87.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - LHD LEFT HAND DRIVE+2015 VW VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT+AUTO+LONG MOT+INSUR ARRANGED 4-Door

£9,494

Finance available £190 pm

1.8L
107.3K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Saloon

UK LEFT HAND DRIVE

01494326588 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SCR SEL 5dr

£15,350

Finance available £321 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG

Reduced

£37,740

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr DSG

£7,850

Finance available £153 pm

2L
112.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MATS LTD

01405800334 *

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech S 5dr

Reduced

£1,995

1.6L
178.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MY ISHAQ LTD

01217525785 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Prestige Cars Ireland

02890026873 *

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

£1,995

2L
156.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Herts Car Sales Ltd

01992367364 *

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