Used Volkswagen Passat Saloon 2001 - 2005 review

What's the used Volkswagen Passat like?

The Passat is big for a family car and its comfy cabin keeps out road and mechanical noise. Space up front is excellent, visibility is good and the seat and steering wheel adjust every which way for the driver.

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Overview

You get an imposing family car that's more upmarket than rivals

Pros

• The Passat has a classy, roomy and comfortable cabin and a wide choice of engines

Cons

• It's dull to drive and expensive to run

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Volkswagen Passat

1.9 TDI Highline Euro 4 4dr

£677

Volkswagen Passat

2.0 TDI SE DSG Euro 4 4dr

£749

Volkswagen Passat

2.0 TDI Highline Plus Euro 5 4dr

£795

Volkswagen Passat

1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£900

Volkswagen Passat

1.9 TDI S Euro 4 4dr

£990

Volkswagen Passat

1.9 TDI S Euro 4 4dr

£995

Volkswagen Passat

2.0 TDI Highline Euro 5 4dr

£995

Volkswagen Passat

2.0 TDI Sport Euro 4 4dr

£1,190

Volkswagen Passat

2.0 TDI Highline Euro 5 4dr

£1,195

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The ride is set up to favour comfort over agility and it smothers bumps well, although the suspension on Sport models is stiffer. It's better to drive than previous Passats, but nothing like as sharp as a Ford Mondeo.

The VW has four stars out of a possible five in Euro NCAP crash tests for occupants and a reasonable two for protecting pedestrians. Four airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, but the centre rear seatbelt is lap-only unless the cost-option upgrade to a three-point belt is fitted.

Our recommendations

Which used Volkswagen Passat should I buy?

There's a big choice of models, from a 1.8-litre petrol up to a 2.8 V6, plus 1.9 and 2.5 diesels. The 1.8, 1.8 turbo and 2.0 petrols are worth a look, with the 2.0 taking the laurels as the best petrol-powered Passat. There's also a 2.3 V5 that's smooth but thirsty, and finally the 2.8, which is worth buying only if the bills don't matter much.

Our pick of the diesels - and our favourite engine overall - is the 130bhp 1.9. There's also a 100bhp 1.9, which is too slow, and a 2.5 V6, which is a cracker, but returns only about 35mpg.

All are well equipped: the entry-level S gets a fully suite of safety kit, alloy wheels and air-con; SE gains climate control and a CD player, while Sport adds stiffer suspension and more supportive seats.

VW dealers have an excellent choice of Passats, especially younger cars. For older models and cheap-ish high-milers, try independent dealers.