The Passat is extremely popular in the fleet market, but private buyers are also keen to buy them thanks to residuals which are typically stronger than for more mainstream rivals. It’s not just the financial aspects which are so appealing though; the Passat also has a classy cabin and is great to drive, while it’s generally very reliable too.
While buying any used car, you can get a car that’s almost as good as a brand-new one without paying for the depreciation that wallops new car buyers as soon as they drive the car off the lot. Even cars that are only a year old are 20-30 percent cheaper than brand-new cars. So you have made a smart decision.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the used Passat car buying process.
1. Check the used Passat’s history
You absolutely must get the used VW Passat Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and have a mechanic inspect the car on a lift.
2. Test drive the used Passat
Test-driving a used Volkswagen Passat helps you decide if it is the right car for you and also if this particular car is in good condition. Once you get behind the wheel, ask yourself if it is a good fit for your requirements. Here are few noticeable things about Passat.
• Exterior Looks –
The most radical part of the Passat’s design are its sides, which feature a curving arch between the front and rear windscreen pillars and give the car its sleek looks. While the front is typically Volkswagen, albeit with a bolder grille and badge, the rear is a new departure for VW, with its unusually-shaped light clusters.
• Interior Looks & Practicality –
The Passat CC marks a change for Volkswagen, with the trademark blue and red illumination replaced by white lights. The rear houses just two seats, separated by an armrest and storage space, and are very comfortable, and can be heated. The boot measures a useful 532 litres which is impressive, especially as there’s a full-sized spare wheel hidden underneath the carpet.
• Performance –
The engine options available are three petrol and two diesel engines – a 1.8, 2-litre and 3.6-litre V6 petrol and a pair of 2-litre diesels.
• Running cost –
Emissions of 153g/km place both diesels in tax band D, which currently costs £144 per year, while emissions of 180, 193 and 242g/km place the petrol engined 1.8, 2-litre and 3.6 in bands E (£170), F (£210) and G (£400) respectively.
• Safety & Reliability –
It is built with proven technology and should raise little cause for concern. The standard Volkswagen Passat scored a full five star rating for adult occupant protection in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Standard safety equipment includes ABS with brake assist and brake force distribution, driver, passenger, front side and curtain airbags, ESP and whiplash reducing headrests.
3. Used VW Passat Valuation
The value of a used Volkswagen Passat is based on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity.
4. Visiting the seller
Always visit the seller at their home address. If possible, make this appointment during the day so you can see the car in the daylight and more accurately determine its condition.
5. Documents to check
Don’t buy the used Passat without a V5 (registration document or log book). Check that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) quoted on the V5 matches those on the MOT certificate and the Passat car: look at the VIN plate on the engine, on the chassis – usually under the carpet to the right of the driver’s seat – and any numbers etched on the windows.
6. Coming to a decision
Before making the final decision, make sure you have done price comparison of various used Volkswagen Passat models available . Auto Trader has around 3,977 used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale when I searched locally.
Check for other used Volkswagen cars on Volkswagen hub
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