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.

760 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

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 Passat2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport estate 5 door Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (170

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

S B Cars

01784776677 *

Volkswagen Passat2010 - 2.0 R-Line TDI CR DPF 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Autopoint

02893447250 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (120 ps)

£16,195

1.6L
52.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI SE Business 4dr

Low Mileage

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

2L
66.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Elegance 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£34,363

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

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

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

2L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

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

£5,500

Finance available £101 pm

2L
157.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Oxford Wheels LTD

01993463606 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 1.6 Passat SE Business TDI BlueMotion Technology 4dr

£7,675

Finance available £149 pm

1.6L
91.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 SE Business 5dr ULEZ Hpi One Owner

Reduced

£6,799

Finance available £130 pm

1.5L
147.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Simply Motors

02081500946 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG [Panoramic Roof] [7 Speed]

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

2L
45.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

1.4L
127.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Estate

Car Galaxy UK

01923927529 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 1.4 TSI Bluemotion Tech SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,949

Finance available £200 pm

1.4L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Cars 4 U

02038731380 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (62) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
135.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£13,499

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 2.0 GT TDI BlueMotion Tech 170 4dr [5 seat]

£2,795

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

RAF-Cars

01494413879 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - TSI GTE 5-Door

£11,489

1.4L
99.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 - 1.4 Passat GTe Semi-Auto 5dr

£14,500

1.4L
75.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 1.8 R-Line TSI 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.8L
101.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

R&D Motors

01460201373 *

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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