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.

834 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 Highline TDI CR DPF 110 4dr

Reduced

£1,595

2L
143.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Assured Cars

01274028296 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 1.6 Tdi Bluemotion Tech Se Business Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 s/s 120

£7,895

1.6L
86.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

EMG Motor Group Spalding

01775661268 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 2.0 TDI GT 5-Door

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Icon Cars

01663798281 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL Saloon 4dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,970

1.5L
56.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 4dr

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £181 pm

1.5L
27.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

HALLAM CAR SALES LTD

01143086615 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
94.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Monarch Car Sales

01905673241 *

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

£3,595

2L
141.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 2.0 TDI EVO SEL Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,562

Finance available £309 pm

2L
74.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
55.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hutchings Hyundai Swansea

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Performa Motors Limited

01733794291 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI EVO SE Nav Saloon 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£12,999

Finance available £221 pm

2L
70.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Northumberland Motor Village

01665660980 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI SE Business 5dr + 1 OWNER / VW HISTORY / ULEZ / SAT NAV

£10,000

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

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

£4,195

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

BREDBURY CARS

01612417052 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Aspire Automotive Limited

01268219722 *

Volkswagen Passat2008 (58) - 2.0 GT TDI CR 4dr DSG

£1,585

2L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

Aventus Motors LTD

01162165602 *

Volkswagen Passat2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI SE 4dr

Reduced

£4,500

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Grange Farm Motors

01913002460 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 - GT TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 4-Door

Reduced

£9,995

1.6L
74.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2017 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Saloon

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech 4MOTION 5dr

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

2L
107.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

DandLMotors

01777801098 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech Sport 4dr - bluetooth - satellite navigation

£2,695

1.6L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

LC Car Sales

01206583593 *

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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