Used Volkswagen Passat for sale near Chelmsford

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £13,500

Volkswagen Passat (2015-2023) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Solid build quality – feels premium	Not exactly an exotic choice
Acres of boot space	It's priced against premium rivals
Classless image	Some question marks remain over reliability

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Passat (2015-2023), the eighth-generation model, is a popular choice for those seeking a sensibly priced four-door saloon or five-door estate. This all-new car, introduced in 2015, was lighter, sharper, and more economical than its predecessor, incorporating advanced technologies. It strikes a balance between mainstream rivals like the Ford Mondeo and smaller premium models such as the BMW 3 Series, offering practicality with an upmarket feel. Its roomy and comfortable interior, with high-quality finishes and user-friendly infotainment, makes it feel like a premium product, offering excellent space for passengers and a substantial boot capacity of 586 litres for the saloon and 650 litres for the estate.

The Passat delivers a composed and capable driving experience, blending decent agility with excellent comfort and refinement, making it ideal for daily commuting and long motorway journeys where wind and road noise are well suppressed. Engine options include efficient TDI diesels, flexible TSI turbocharged petrols, and a punchy plug-in hybrid GTE, which boasts impressive efficiency and an electric range of around 30 miles. Running costs are sensible, with good fuel economy across the range and flexible servicing plans. The Passat also comes well-equipped, even in entry-level trims, and received a five-star Euro NCAP rating, highlighting its comprehensive safety features.

Best for: Drivers seeking a comfortable, refined, and practical family car with a premium feel, excellent boot space (especially the estate), sensible running costs, and strong safety features.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising a sporty or exciting driving experience, those on a very strict budget (as its price can approach premium rivals), or those wanting a truly unique or exotic car.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Passat if: You're seeking a comfortable, refined, and practical family car with a premium feel, excellent boot space, sensible running costs, and strong safety features.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise a sporty driving experience, are on a very strict budget (as its price can approach premium rivals), or desire a truly unique or exotic car.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Passat (2015-2023) holds a strong position in the executive and family car market, offering a compelling blend of practicality, refinement, and perceived premium quality. While it may not offer the dynamic thrills of a BMW 3 Series or the sheer value proposition of a Skoda Superb, its comfortable ride, spacious interior, strong equipment levels, and efficient powertrains make it a highly sensible and appealing choice for buyers seeking a high-quality, capable, and relaxing car for daily use or long journeys.

Read our full Volkswagen Passat Review

The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.