Used 2017 Volkswagen Passat for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat cost?

Prices have softened 7.53% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 743 listings available, you have a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $10,594.91, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat a good car?

Yes — the 2017 Volkswagen Passat earns a 4.86/5 user rating, and our experts give it 7.33/10.

The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Form and function, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, fuel efficiency, value for money, and spacious interior. The overview also points to a roomy sedan with modern connectivity and a practical cabin, which fits well if you want a family-friendly daily driver rather than a flashy performance car.

With a 25.0% good-or-great-deal rate, the market still offers some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Owners rate it 4.86/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback highlights reliability, low maintenance costs, and a trouble-free ownership experience, along with praise for the car’s dependable nature over time. The expert driving notes also emphasize that the turbocharged 1.8-liter engine delivers usable power with predictable, linear response, which supports confidence in everyday use.

The cost-effectiveness notes add that the Passat can be a strong value choice, and that helps reduce ownership stress if you plan to keep it for the long haul.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about choosing a well-kept example with the right maintenance history.

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

At 55.9% 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 prior bodywork or multiple owners. Focus on overall condition, signs of uneven wear, and whether the equipment level matches what you expect from the trim you’re considering. Because this model’s appeal leans heavily on comfort and features, it’s worth making sure the cabin, electronics, and safety systems are all working properly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S includes a 5-inch touchscreen, reversing camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto headlights, cruise control, and forward-collision warning with auto braking. Moving up brings blind-spot monitoring and VW App Connect, while the SE adds keyless entry, push-button start, a sunroof, adaptive cruise, and rear air vents. The R-Line adds 19-inch wheels, unique bumpers, heated front seats, power driver adjustment, pleather, a larger 6.3-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radio, and heated side mirrors.
• Powertrain: The 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, with 23 mpg city and 34 highway for 27 combined. The 3.6-liter V6 makes 280 hp and 258 lb-ft, but it uses more fuel at 20 mpg city and 28 highway for 23 combined.
• Safety package: Every Passat gets forward-collision warning with auto braking. Above the base S, you also get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. The SEL Premium adds a lane-departure warning system.
• Infotainment: The base car uses a 5-inch touchscreen, while the R-Line gets a 6.3-inch screen. VW App Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included above the base trim, and the Technology Package adds an upgraded infotainment system with navigation and 8 speakers.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.8-liter engine returns 23 mpg city and 34 highway, or 27 combined. The 3.6-liter V6 returns 20 mpg city and 28 highway, or 23 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 starting point if you want the Passat’s roomy cabin, standard safety tech, and basic convenience features without stretching your budget. It gives you the core Passat experience, but you’ll miss out on the connectivity and driver-assistance upgrades that make the higher trims more appealing.
• R-Line: This trim adds the biggest jump in equipment, including blind-spot monitoring, VW App Connect, heated front seats, a larger touchscreen, and more upscale visual treatment. It’s the best-value choice if you want the most meaningful feature upgrade for the money.
• SE: This is the sweet spot for many shoppers because it adds keyless entry, push-button start, a sunroof, adaptive cruise, and rear air vents while avoiding the R-Line’s larger wheels. If you want a well-rounded daily driver, this is the trim to target.
• SEL Premium: This is the most upscale choice, with real leather upholstery, a driver memory system, a power front passenger seat, power-folding mirrors, a Fender stereo, and a lane-departure warning system. It makes sense if you want the most comfort and premium features.

The safety-package upgrades are especially important here: once you move above the base S, you get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, VW App Connect, and forward-collision warning with auto braking.

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 patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 25.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 743 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.53% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $10,594.91, 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 $10,599 sits slightly below last year's $11,462.

That softer pricing suggests the Passat has already absorbed some of its near-term 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 strong condition, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss later. The model’s value-oriented reputation and roomy, practical layout should continue to support demand among used-car shoppers.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.86/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat safe?

It earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a four-star rating in the front-impact protection test. Independent tests from IIHS found the Passat earning top marks in all categories.

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

Every Passat gets forward-collision warning with autonomous braking, and trims above the base S add blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts and VW App Connect. The overview also notes that these upgrades were a meaningful step forward for the model year.

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:

• 25.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.53% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Volkswagen simplified the lineup and made key safety and connectivity features standard above the base trim.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $9,391, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $10,599 average.
• It suits buyers who value substance over flash.

Consider the 2018 if:

• At $12,262, the 2018 costs more than the current year's $10,599 average.
• It adds more power and a new GT trim with a V6 and sport suspension.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday comfort, the 2017 is the strongest all-around pick. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, the 2016 can save you money, while the 2018 makes sense if you want more power and are willing to pay for it.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.