Used 2016 Volkswagen Passat for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat cost?

Prices have softened 4.53% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 818 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat a good car?

Yes — 5/5. Our experts rate it 7.8/10, and the expert test drive score is 7.8/10. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

The Passat is a midsize family sedan that emphasizes practicality over flash, and it can come across as an excellent family sedan if you value substance over attention. Its straightforward appeal, comfortable ride, and strong safety packaging make it especially relevant if you want a roomy, no-drama daily driver.

31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there are 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 points to average reliability predictions, and the expert review also notes that cost-of-ownership data and reliability ratings are not especially impressive. At the same time, the expert test drive data says mechanical complaints since the 2012 redesign have been limited, with most owner concerns centered on infotainment.

The performance notes also describe the car as responsive, quick, and easy to drive, while the cost-effectiveness notes say the Passat can deliver excellent value thanks to its fuel efficiency. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that reliability perceptions and ownership costs may weigh on confidence even if the car itself feels solid.

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

At 52.7% 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 close inspection of bodywork, panel alignment, and repair quality. It also makes sense to focus on how the car presents inside and out, since the Passat’s appeal depends heavily on condition and overall care. If you’re considering a higher-trim example, make sure the equipment you want is actually present and functioning.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S is the most affordable model, while the SE adds more desirable safety and convenience equipment, and the SEL Premium brings the most complete feature set. The R-Line adds styling changes, but it does not get the safety technologies some shoppers may expect.
• Powertrain: The standard turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder makes 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and the optional V6 is reserved for the top SEL Premium trim. The engine is tuned for easy, low-rpm response and respectable fuel efficiency.
• Safety package: The Passat includes a forward-collision warning system and automatic emergency braking on SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims, and those versions meet Top Safety Pick+ standards. Standard equipment also includes a reversing camera and Automatic Post-Collision Braking, while blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on SEL and SEL Premium.
• Infotainment: Screen size starts at 5 inches on the S and R-Line, then grows to 6.3 inches on SE, SEL, and SEL Premium models. App-Connect brings Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, and Car-Net is available with the larger system.
• Fuel efficiency: The Passat is rated at 29 mpg combined, and the test loop returned 29.7 mpg.

Which 2016 Volkswagen Passat trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, and it makes sense if you want the lowest price and can live with the smaller infotainment screen and fewer convenience features.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the more useful safety and tech content while staying below the top-end pricing.
• R-Line: Choose this if you care most about the sport-themed appearance package and want a more distinctive look.
• SEL Premium: This is the most fully equipped choice, with the strongest mix of comfort, technology, and safety content.

The safety package is strongest on SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, while the R-Line misses some of the key driver-assistance features.

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

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

• Deal availability: 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 818 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.53% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,068, 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 $9,070 sits slightly below last year's $9,501.

That softer pricing suggests the market is still rewarding buyers more than sellers right now. If you plan to resell later, you should expect value retention to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained. A clean history and strong equipment content will matter more than the badge alone.

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 rating from the federal government.

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

Volkswagen includes a forward-collision warning system and automatic emergency braking on SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims, and those versions qualify for Top Safety Pick+ standards. Standard safety equipment also includes a reversing camera and Automatic Post-Collision Braking, while blind-spot warning with lane-change alert and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on SEL and SEL Premium. The SEL Premium also adds lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.

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:

• 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.53% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 adds updated safety structure, standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking, and a revised infotainment setup.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,443, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,070 average.
• It adds standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and App-Connect across more of the lineup.

The bottom line: The 2016 is the better value if you want a lower entry price and can shop carefully for condition and equipment. If you’re willing to spend more for broader standard safety and tech content, the 2017 is the cleaner upgrade path.

How does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat compare to the 2016 Toyota Camry?

Our experts score the 2016 Volkswagen Passat 7.8/10 and the 2016 Toyota Camry 7.2/10. The Passat is the better value on the used market, with a much lower average price and a stronger share of good or great deals. The Camry has more listings and a slightly stronger engine on paper, but the Passat offers better highway fuel economy and a higher accident-free share among listings.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.