Used 2017 Volkswagen Passat for Sale nearColumbia, SC

How much does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat cost?

Prices have softened 5.01% 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 on price and condition.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat a good car?

Yes — the 2017 Volkswagen Passat earns a 4.86/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Form and function, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, fuel efficiency, and value for money, and they also call out the spacious interior and enjoyable driving experience. For you, that means the Passat makes the most sense if you want a roomy, comfortable midsize sedan with useful everyday features rather than a flashy personality. It also lands in a market where 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you can shop with some leverage.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to reliability, low maintenance costs, and a trouble-free ownership experience, with several drivers describing it as a car you can count on over time. The expert evaluation also emphasizes predictable, linear power delivery and a composed driving character, which supports the sense that the Passat is built for steady everyday use. If you’re buying used, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about finding a well-kept example that hasn’t been neglected.

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

At 56.2% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had multiple owners or visible cosmetic repairs. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and signs of inconsistent maintenance, since those clues can tell you more than the odometer alone. If you’re comparing listings, give extra weight to cars with clean records and complete service documentation.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S includes a 5-inch touchscreen, reversing camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto headlights, and forward-collision warning with auto braking. Moving up to the R-Line adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, VW App Connect, heated front seats, a larger 6.3-inch touchscreen, and heated side mirrors, while the SE adds keyless entry, push-button start, a sunroof, adaptive cruise, and rear air vents. The SEL Premium adds real leather upholstery, a Fender stereo, a driver memory system, and a lane-departure warning system.
• Powertrain: The 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, with 23 mpg city, 34 highway, and 27 combined. The 3.6-liter V6 makes 280 hp and 258 lb-ft, but it carries a bigger fuel penalty at 20 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined.
• Safety package: Every Passat gets forward-collision warning with autonomous braking. Above the base S, you also get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts and VW App Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL Premium 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. VW App Connect brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Technology Package adds an upgraded infotainment system with navigation and eight speakers.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.8-liter engine is rated at 23 mpg city and 34 highway, or 27 combined. The 3.6-liter V6 is rated at 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 play if you want the lowest entry point and still want core comfort and safety features, including dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera, and forward-collision warning with auto braking.
• R-Line: This is the best-value trim if you want the biggest jump in convenience and connectivity, because it adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, VW App Connect, heated front seats, and the larger touchscreen.
• SE: This is the sweet spot if you want a more complete daily-driver setup, with keyless entry, push-button start, a sunroof, adaptive cruise, and rear air vents. The Technology Package can make it especially well equipped.
• SEL Premium: This is the choice if you want the most upscale cabin content, including real leather, a Fender stereo, a driver memory system, and a lane-departure warning system.

The safety-package upgrades above the base S are a major reason to shop beyond the entry trim.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and deal activity to make comparison shopping worthwhile.

• Deal availability: 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 834 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.01% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 56.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $10,525, 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 $10,525 sits slightly below last year's $11,080.

That price movement suggests the Passat has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help you if you buy at the right number and hold the car for a while. For a future seller, the softer market means resale gains are unlikely, so condition and mileage will matter even more when it’s time to list. A clean, well-maintained example should still attract interest from shoppers who want a roomy sedan with strong owner satisfaction.

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?

The 2017 Volkswagen Passat earns five-star ratings from NHTSA, with a four-star rating in the front-impact protection test, and IIHS 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 trims above the base S also add blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts and VW App Connect. The SEL Premium further adds a lane-departure warning system. The main caveat is the lower front-impact result from NHTSA, which is worth keeping in mind if safety is a top priority.

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:

• 32.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 56.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.01% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.86/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Volkswagen simplified the lineup and made key safety and smartphone features standard on more trims.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $9,281, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $10,525 average.
• It emphasizes practical value over flash.

Consider the 2018 if:

• At $12,258, the 2018 costs more than the current year's $10,525 average.
• It adds a sportier feel and a new GT trim.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, standard safety tech, and everyday comfort, the 2017 is the smart default. If your budget is tighter, the 2016 can save you money, while the 2018 makes sense if you want to pay more for added performance and a fresher feel.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 20, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.