Used Volkswagen Passat for sale

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 so versatile 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. 

– Read our Volkswagen Passat review 

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.   

Popular Volkswagen Passat trims 

Volkswagen’s good at offering a wide range of trims, and that’s exactly what the Passat gets. 

> Volkswagen Passat Life – despite being the entry model, you still get 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a rear-view parking camera and a digital driver’s display 

> Volkswagen Passat Elegance – this adds sports seats, a sliding panoramic sunroof and rear LED lights 

> Volkswagen Passat R-Line – aside from a sportier look, it gets Dynamic Chassis Control, Matrix LED headlights and fabric sports seats 

Volkswagen Passat history 

The first VW Passat came out in 1973, so it’s safe to say it’s stood the test of time. Since then, the Passat has seen many different generations – each adding more features and fuel efficiency. Here are some of the more notable generations: 

> First-generation Volkswagen Passat B1 (1973-1981) - based on the Audi 80, it made family cars more accessible 

> Fifth-generation Volkswagen Passat B5 (1997-2005) - linked with the Audi A4, this durable family car can still be seen on our roads today 

> Eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat B8 (2015-2023) - with lightweight materials and loads of tech, this is one of the more popular generations 

> Ninth-generation Volkswagen Passat B9 (2023-present) - the latest estate-only B9 shares its underpinnings with the Skoda Superb, proving it’s tried-and-true 

Volkswagen Passat body styles 

What makes the Passat so popular is its choice of body shapes, meaning there’s a version for everyone. 

> Volkswagen Passat saloon – the most common shape with four doors and plenty of space 

> Volkswagen Passat estate – the practical choice with a massive boot 

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 cabin with a large centre display. High-end models feature 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 with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.   

Higher-spec models like the 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 gets 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 German family 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 almost 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 include 1.4-, 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrols.    

Newer 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.   

However, if you want the true range-topper then the GTE is the one to go for. 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, with newer models capable of more than double the range. This makes city driving a breeze. 

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.