Used 2017 Volkswagen Passat for Sale nearBakersfield, CA

How much does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat cost?

Prices have softened 4.92% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 834 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat a good car?

Yes — the 2017 Volkswagen Passat earns a 4.9/5 user rating and a 7.3/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Form and function, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, spacious interior, and value for money, and they also point to fuel efficiency and an enjoyable driving experience. In practical terms, that lines up well with a roomy midsize sedan that works especially well if you want everyday comfort, useful standard features, and strong cabin space. The market also shows 31.5% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. User feedback also points to reliability, low maintenance costs, and a trouble-free ownership experience, with many owners saying they can count on it for everyday use.

The expert evaluation also emphasizes predictable power delivery and a composed, steady driving character, which supports the impression of a dependable commuter sedan. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the car has been maintained well, since condition and service history matter more as mileage climbs.

What should I look for when buying a used 2017 Volkswagen Passat?

At 55.8% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had any prior damage or higher mileage. Focus on body condition, repair quality, and whether the car still feels tight and well-kept on the road. Because this model is valued for comfort and value, you want to make sure the specific car you choose still delivers both.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S includes 16-inch alloys, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto headlights, a 5-inch touchscreen with reversing camera, cruise control, and forward-collision warning with auto braking. Moving up adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and VW App Connect, while the R-Line also brings unique 19-inch alloys, R-Line bumpers, heated front seats, power driver adjustment, pleather, and a larger 6.3-inch touchscreen.
• Powertrain: The 1.8-liter turbocharged engine delivers 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque with usable, linear power and strong real-world efficiency. A 3.6-liter V6 is also mentioned, but it comes with a significant fuel-economy and price penalty.
• Safety package: Every Passat gets forward-collision warning with autonomous braking. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, and the SEL Premium also adds a lane-departure warning system.
• Infotainment: The base car uses a 5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims can get a 6.3-inch screen, HD and satellite radio, and navigation through the Technology Package. VW App Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included above the base S.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.8-liter engine is rated at 23 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, with 27 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 is rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, with 23 mpg combined.

Which 2017 Volkswagen Passat trim should I buy?

The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is offered in 4 trim levels: S, R-Line, SE, SEL Premium.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the value play if you want the lowest entry price and a solid standard feature set, including the reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, and forward-collision warning with auto braking.
• R-Line: This trim adds the key convenience and connectivity upgrades many shoppers want, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and VW App Connect, plus more upscale cabin and exterior touches.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for many buyers because it adds keyless entry and push-button start, a sunroof, adaptive cruise, and rear air vents without jumping too far in price.
• SEL Premium: Choose this if you want the most upscale Passat experience, with real leather, power front passenger adjustment, driver memory, a Fender stereo, and lane-departure warning.

The safety-package upgrades are especially important here, since the base S misses some of the driver-assistance features that appear on higher trims.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2017 Volkswagen Passat?

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

• Deal availability: 31.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 834 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.92% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $10,513, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat's resale value?

The current average of $10,513 sits slightly below last year's $11,057.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. If you purchase near the lower end of the range and keep the car in good condition, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss later. Strong value perception can also help support demand when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.9/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat safe?

The 2017 Volkswagen Passat earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a four-star rating in front-impact protection. IIHS testing found it earning top marks in all categories.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Every Passat gets forward-collision warning with autonomous braking, and higher trims add blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. The safety story is strongest on trims above the base S, where you get more of the driver-assistance equipment that many shoppers now expect.

Should I buy a 2017 Volkswagen Passat or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2017 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2017 if:

• 31.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.92% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and VW App Connect on trims above the base S.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $9,256, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $10,513 average.
• It emphasizes practical value over flash.

Consider the 2018 if:

• At $12,218, the 2018 costs more than the current year's $10,513 average.
• It adds more sportiness and an upgraded 4-cylinder engine.

The bottom line: The 2017 is the sweet spot if you want the best mix of price, standard safety tech, and owner satisfaction. If your priority is saving money, the 2016 is the better budget path; if you want more performance and can spend more, the 2018 is the upgrade to watch.

How does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat compare to the 2017 Toyota Camry?

Our experts score the 2017 Volkswagen Passat 7.3/10 and the 2017 Toyota Camry 7.5/10. The Camry edges ahead overall, but the Passat gives you a lower average used price and a stronger deal share. The Passat also has a higher accident-free share in the listed market, while the Camry brings slightly better city efficiency and more listings to choose from.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.