About the Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat has been a mainstay of the executive car market since 1973, with the current eighth generation launched in 2015. Available as a four-door saloon or five-door estate, the Passat competes with the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia and Skoda Superb. It's renowned for its understated styling, high-quality interior materials, and excellent refinement on motorways.
Engine options include efficient 1.5 and 2.0-litre TSI petrol units, plus 2.0-litre TDI diesels in various outputs from 120PS to 240PS in the performance-oriented Passat GTE plug-in hybrid. The Passat Estate offers up to 1,780 litres of boot space with seats folded, making it a practical choice for families and business users alike.
What Affects the Price of a Used Volkswagen Passat
Model year: Newer eighth-generation models (2015 onwards) command significantly higher prices than seventh-generation cars (2010-2015). The 2019 facelift with updated technology adds further value.
Mileage: High-mileage diesels are common due to the Passat's popularity as a company car. Cars under 50,000 miles attract premium prices, while those over 100,000 miles can offer bargains if properly maintained.
Trim level: SE Business and GT models with navigation, leather and upgraded alloys are most desirable. Base S trim models are noticeably cheaper. R-Line variants with sporty styling command higher prices.
Fuel type: Diesel TDI models dominate the used market and hold value well. Petrol TSI versions are less common but increasingly sought after. The GTE plug-in hybrid appeals to company car buyers with low benefit-in-kind tax.
Body style: Estate models typically cost £1,000-£2,000 more than equivalent saloons due to their added practicality.
Used Volkswagen Passat Buying Tips
Check service history: A full Volkswagen dealer or specialist service history is essential, particularly for diesel models. Look for evidence of regular oil changes and cambelt replacement at the recommended intervals.
Diesel emissions: Earlier 2.0 TDI engines may be affected by the dieselgate scandal. Confirm any software updates have been applied and check for unusual running issues or DPF warning lights.
Interior wear: Inspect seat bolsters, steering wheel and door handles for wear, especially on high-mileage examples. The infotainment touchscreen should be responsive without dead spots.
Electrical systems: Test all electrical features including adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and automatic tailgate on estate models. Check for software updates via Volkswagen dealers.
Suspension and brakes: Listen for knocking from front suspension over bumps. Seized rear brake calipers are common on lightly-used cars, causing MOT failures.
Consider alternatives: The mechanically similar Skoda Superb offers more space for less money, while the Audi A4 provides a more premium badge at similar prices.