Volkswagen Passat cars

What types of used Volkswagen Passat cars are there?

The Volkswagen Passat has been around since the early 1970s and has come a long way since then. It offers a very functional and luxurious interior for its class, the choice of two different body styles, and a great selection of engine options.   

More recent models are available with a hybrid engine option, with slightly older models coming with either a petrol or diesel engine.   

What makes it such a versatile model is that it's as good at being a family car as it is at being a compact executive saloon (or estate) – it will fit into the lives of many motorists.

There’s a range of models on offer, including options for an automatic or a classic manual. You can also pick through the range of trims, including the R-Line and GT variants.  

– Read our Volkswagen Passat review

What features does the Volkswagen Passat have?

Aside from being a practical car, the Volkswagen Passat also has a very plush interior.  

Every model features a very clean and functional interior with a large centre display, with high-end models featuring a virtual cockpit instead of traditional physical dials.  

As standard, all Passat models come with a powerful eight-speaker sound system, a DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB sockets for charging, and an eight-inch touchscreen that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.  

Higher-spec models like the Volkswagen Passat R-Line get sportier styling, larger wheels, and an upgraded sound system.  

Its boot size varies depending on the model you opt for. The saloon offers 585 litres of space, while the estate offers 650 litres. This grows to 1,152 and 1,780 litres respectively once the rear seats are folded flat.   

You can see the full range of features available with each model by checking out our current Volkswagen Passat listings.  

Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Buying a used Volkswagen Passat is like the family Labrador – it's dependable and is always there for you. Whether you're going on weekend trips away or need a motorway powerhouse, this family-sized German car is for you.

As well as its reliable petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, the Passat is also safe with a full five stars following its most recent Euro NCAP test in 2014.

How much does the Volkswagen Passat cost to run?

When it comes to engine choices, the options are endless. Most recent models are available with petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains, giving you plenty to choose from.   

Petrol engines include 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre TSI units which offer great fuel economy and good amounts of power. Options available on slightly older cars on the used market include 1.4-, 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrols.   

Current diesel engines available include a 120hp 1.6-litre TDI, a 150hp 2.0-litre and the range-topping 190hp 2.0-litre variant. If you plan on doing lots of long motorway journeys or often tow trailers or caravans, these are the options we’d recommend checking out.  

However, if you want the true range-topper then you would want to be looking at the GTE model, which is the brand’s most advanced model to date. It's powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine mated to a plug-in hybrid system that produces 220hp and 400Nm of torque.   

On top of that, the hybrid model offers up to 30 miles of all-electric range thanks to its onboard battery. 

Who is the Volkswagen Passat suitable for?

You should buy a used Volkswagen Passat if you need to ferry the family around or could do with a solid car for your long work commute.

Its main rivals are the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 508, Mazda6 and Skoda Superb – all of which are impressive but lack the dependability of the VW badge slapped on the steering wheel.