2017 Volkswagen Passat GT 2.0 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Flawless

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I love this car, it has been one of my finest purchases ever. Solid reliable motoring and a quality feel all round.

Gold colored GT model - panoramic roof, black leather seats, all electrics of the time, what more could you ask for?

Extremely spacious and comfortable. The car has real road presence - classic traditional boxy saloon. Modern yet old school vibes at the same time. Bigger and better than my old Audi A4. The Passat B8 model in size is more comparable to an Audi A6 than an A4.

2.0 TDi - classic proven unit doing in excess of 50 miles per gallon and good performance. Again, for an all round balance of performance and economy, you show me a better car. There are none that come close to the Passat with a 2.0 TDi.

The VW Passat is actually a better car to drive than my old 2011 2.0 TDi Audi A4. And that is quite something. A little expensive to buy on the used market right now, but what car isn't? It's well worth it for a low mileage cared for car. Highly recommended. What to replace it with in a few years time? Either another used Passat or I'll have to step up to an Audi A6 with a 3.0 TDi or something. Currently in the UK the newer Passat is only available as an Estate car. Why VW?! The saloon was one of your best sellers surely? And there is still a market for them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2026

15th Sep 2026, 15:41

I think they sell more estate cars, that is why the decision to drop the saloon happened, but I could be wrong.

Either way, totally agree, they are the best for the money in the large family / executive range. I can comment as I have owned every car in this sector since the 1990's onward. Ford Mondeo / Vauxhall Insignia - great budget used buys, but watch for common issues.

Honda Accord / Toyota Avensis - a bit pricey but very reliable cars if taken care of.

French offerings from the like of Peugeot with the 508 - actually a decent car to drive but maybe not as reliable as others mentioned.

Volvo a bit of an oddball these days and not as good as they used to be, but the S60 is a very nice car to drive. And you get a lot for your money. Their interiors are very luxurious even on base models.

As you said, the VW Passat is probably the pick of the bunch, unless you want to pay extra for "premium" German cars like Audi, BMW or Mercedes mid range saloons. I guess it is up to the individual what is worth it and what is worth paying the extra for on any car. To me badge "kudos" does not mean a thing any more, I just buy what is reliable and long lasting value for money when considering any car.

2017 Volkswagen Passat S 2.0 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Economical

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

2017 model Passat in silver - a very basic "S" model, but the car has plenty of standard equipment.

Very nice to drive and modern. 2.0 TDi - Powerful and 50 mpg, cannot beat it for the size of the car.

Materials inside are very nice and hard wearing.

The car is smooth on motorways though a little noisy at lower speeds.

At this age and miles all you need to do is service it on time and do the cam-belt and you have a winner. Really one of the best used cars on the market, reliable and good on fuel and spacious, what more could you need these days? Better than my old problematic 2009 BMW 320d. Yes, you read that right, the VW Passat offers more for the money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2026