Used Volkswagen Passat for Sale nearBakersfield, CA

How much does the Volkswagen Passat cost in today's market?

Used Volkswagen Passat prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Volkswagen Passat's current nationwide average price is $10,482, and its lowest point over the past year was $10,482. Recently, prices have come down for the 2020, 2021, and 2022 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Volkswagen Passat a good car?

Yes — the Volkswagen Passat earns strong marks from owners across the model years in this data.

The all-generations owner rating is 4.4/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Passat for its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and strong value. Many also highlight its smooth handling, fuel efficiency, and upscale feel for the class.

Expert reviews rate the 2020 and 2018 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs center on sluggish performance, outdated technology, and an uncomfortable driving position in some recent years.

29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Volkswagen Passat models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Passat as a comfortable, spacious sedan with strong value and good fuel efficiency. Across the model years in this data, that combination is a recurring reason shoppers keep coming back to it.

• Owners rate the Volkswagen Passat between 4.3 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is worth weighing carefully because some years also draw comments about mechanical reliability and repair costs.

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

Across all model years, at 60.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: standard forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control
• Infotainment: standard App-Connect smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Which Volkswagen Passat trim should I buy?

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat offers these trims:

• SE: the base trim includes standard forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control, making it the value-focused starting point.
• R-Line: adds automatic high-beam headlights, plus HD Radio and a navigation system with improved voice recognition; it also includes a standard Fender premium audio system.
• Limited Edition: adds exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, special badges, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and a park-assist system, along with the standard Fender premium audio system.

What Volkswagen Passat do most buyers choose?

The Volkswagen Passat years with the most listings are 2016, 2017, and 2014.

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you more inventory to compare, which can make it easier to find the right price, mileage, and condition. They also often sit in the sweet spot where value and availability overlap well for used shoppers.

What is the Volkswagen Passat's resale value?

Most Passat model years are down year over year, and several recent ones show double-digit drops. That pattern can work in your favor if you want a used sedan with more room in the budget. The smallest changes are concentrated in the older and 2018 model years, which suggests those versions have been moving more steadily.

The 2018, 2015, and 2016 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Volkswagen Passat safe?

• 2022: 4/10
• 2021: 7/10
• 2020: 10/10
• 2018: 7/10
• 2017: 8/10
• 2016: 9/10
• 2014: 8/10

The 2022 model includes standard forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.

For the safest used buy, the 2020 model posts the highest confirmed score of 10/10.

Should I buy a used Volkswagen Passat now?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2021 model is at −10.23% versus a year ago, and the 2020 model is at −11.41%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2016 model has the most listings at a current average price of $9,256. The Volkswagen Passat offers a spacious cabin and a comfortable ride that make it easy to live with every day.

If you're buying used today, the 2016 model year offers the best mix of value and availability.

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 brings a lower average used price and more listings, which can make it easier to shop. The Camry has the higher horsepower figure, while the Passat returns the stronger highway mpg number. Both are practical midsize sedans, but the Passat gives you more room to find a value-oriented example.

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