Used 2016 Volkswagen Passat for Sale nearWashington, DC

How much does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat cost?

Prices have softened 6.00% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 804 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat a good car?

Yes — 5/5 from users, and the expert rating is 7.83/10. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

The 2016 Passat is positioned as a midsize family sedan that prioritizes practicality over flash, and the overview frames it as a strong value for shoppers who look past its conservative styling. The expert test drive data backs that up with strong marks for performance, a comfortable ride, and a straightforward family-sedan mission.

32.1% 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 points to average reliability predictions as a headwind, while the expert test drive data notes that cost-of-ownership and reliability research may not look especially impressive. At the same time, the performance and ownership notes suggest the car delivers strong everyday usability, good fuel economy, and a generally solid mechanical impression.

The infotainment system is the main area called out as a recurring complaint, so used buyers should pay close attention to how well the electronics work during a test drive.

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

At 52.2% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been in a collision. Focus on body alignment, panel gaps, and how the car tracks and brakes on the road, since condition matters more when the listing pool includes a lot of prior damage history.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim uses a smaller 5-inch screen, while SE, SEL, and SEL Premium models get a larger 6.3-inch display; the R-Line adds sport-themed styling, but it cannot be paired with some key safety technologies.
• Powertrain: Most cars use a turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and the EPA says it returns 29 mpg in combined driving.
• Safety package: The Passat includes Automatic Post-Collision Braking and a reversing camera, while SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims add forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking; blind-spot warning with lane-change alert and rear cross-traffic alert is standard on SEL and SEL Premium, but not on the R-Line.
• Infotainment: The system includes Bluetooth calling and music streaming, a USB port, and touchscreen displays; App-Connect brings Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, and the 6.3-inch system can also support Car-Net features.
• Fuel efficiency: The Passat returned 29.7 mpg on the test loop, and 24.8 mpg during more demanding driving.

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 path into the Passat, but it also gets the smaller 5-inch infotainment screen, so it makes the most sense if you want the lowest entry price and can live without the larger display and added convenience features.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the larger 6.3-inch screen and brings in the key safety upgrades that make the Passat feel much more complete for family use.
• R-Line: Choose this if you care most about the sport-themed appearance and the dark gray 19-inch wheels, but note that it gives up some of the safety-tech flexibility you get on other trims.
• SEL Premium V6: This is the top-end choice if you want the most equipment, including the premium audio and parking-assist features, plus the optional V6 powertrain.

The safety package is thoughtfully arranged, but the R-Line cannot be equipped with some of the key driver-assistance features available on other trims.

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: 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 804 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.00% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.2% 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 $9,230 sits slightly below last year's $9,818.

That downward move suggests the market has softened, which can help you buy more affordably now but may also limit upside if you plan to sell soon. For a future seller, the key is to buy well and keep the car in strong condition, because a lower entry price can help offset some depreciation pressure.

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 NHTSA.

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

Volkswagen made forward-structure changes for 2016, and the Passat also gets a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking system and a reversing camera. In SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim, it adds forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, which is what lifts those versions to Top Safety Pick+ status.

The safety package is strongest on SE and above, while the R-Line misses some of the key driver-assistance content that makes the higher trims more compelling for family buyers.

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:

• 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.00% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Volkswagen’s 2016 updates bring a stronger safety package and a more modern infotainment setup.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,683, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,230 average.
• It adds more standard safety and smartphone connectivity across the lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2016 is the smarter starting point because pricing has softened and inventory is available. If you’re willing to pay more for a newer model with broader standard safety and connectivity, the 2017 is the cleaner upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.