Used 2016 Volkswagen Passat for Sale nearColumbus, OH

How much does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat cost?

Prices have softened 5.51% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 813 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Volkswagen Passat earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

The overview points to a midsize family sedan that prioritizes substance over flash, with a straightforward, family-friendly character. The expert review also highlights a car that can feel more appealing than its market reputation suggests, especially if you value a practical sedan with a comfortable, composed driving personality.

30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The overview notes average reliability predictions, while the expert review says Consumer Reports expects average reliability and points to infotainment complaints as the main recurring issue. It also says owners have given the car mostly high marks mechanically since the 2012 redesign and Tennessee assembly move.

The performance write-up adds that the Passat feels stronger than its numbers suggest, which can matter if you want a car that feels relaxed rather than strained in daily driving. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that average reliability expectations and infotainment quirks may affect satisfaction more than core mechanical durability.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Volkswagen Passat?

At 53.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a careful inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and any signs of prior repair. Focus on overall condition, because the Passat’s appeal depends heavily on finding one that has been maintained well and not compromised by past damage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim starts with the smallest 5-inch screen, while SE, SEL, and SEL Premium move up to a 6.3-inch display and add more available convenience and safety equipment. The R-Line brings dark gray 19-inch wheels and subtle styling changes, but it cannot be paired with some key safety technologies.
• Powertrain: Most used examples use the turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and the EPA says it returns 29 mpg in combined driving. The optional V6 is reserved for the top SEL Premium trim.
• Safety package: The Passat earned Top Safety Pick status, and SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim also meet Top Safety Pick+ standards thanks to forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The R-Line cannot be equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, or blind-spot warning.
• Infotainment: The infotainment system starts with a 5-inch touchscreen on S and R-Line trims, while SE, SEL, and SEL Premium get a 6.3-inch screen. App-Connect brings Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, and Car-Net is available with the larger system.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.8-liter engine is rated at 29 mpg combined, and the review notes 29.7 mpg on a test loop.

Which 2016 Volkswagen Passat trim should I buy?

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is offered in 4 trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, SEL Premium V6.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the least expensive way into the Passat, but it also comes with the smallest 5-inch infotainment screen. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry price and can live without the richer tech and safety content found higher up.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 6.3-inch screen, App-Connect, adaptive cruise control, and access to the key safety technologies that matter most in a family sedan. It also sits in the sweet spot for equipment without jumping all the way to the top-end pricing.
• R-Line: Choose this if you care most about the sport-themed appearance and the dark gray 19-inch wheels. Just keep in mind that it cannot be equipped with some of the most important safety features.
• SEL Premium V6: This is the most fully equipped version, with the optional V6, front and rear parking sensors, Parking Steering Assistant, and the most advanced blind-spot and lane-keeping features. It suits you best if you want the most content and are willing to pay for it.

Volkswagen’s safety packaging is thoughtful overall, but the R-Line’s feature gaps make it a less compelling choice if safety tech is a priority.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Volkswagen Passat?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 813 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.51% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 53.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,110, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat's resale value?

The current average of $9,243 sits slightly below last year's $9,782.

That decline suggests the market has softened, which can help you buy more affordably now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you’re a future seller, the current trend implies you should expect value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment rather than broad market momentum.

Well-kept examples with desirable safety and tech features should hold up better than plain, higher-mileage cars. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat safe?

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat earns a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Volkswagen added a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking system for 2016, and a reversing camera is also standard. SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim add forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, which is what allows those versions to meet Top Safety Pick+ standards. SE can also be optioned with blind-spot warning, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic reverse braking, while SEL and SEL Premium make that blind-spot system standard.

The main caveat is that the R-Line cannot be equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, or blind-spot warning, so you should avoid that trim if you want the strongest safety package.

Should I buy a 2016 Volkswagen Passat or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.51% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 adds a redesigned front structure, standard post-collision braking, and available Top Safety Pick+ protection on higher trims.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,638, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,243 average.
• It adds standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and App-Connect on trims above the base S.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2016 is the smarter buy because prices are softer and there are still plenty of listings to compare. If you can stretch your budget and want the added standard safety and smartphone tech on higher trims, the 2017 is the cleaner upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.