2016 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Tech SE Business 2.0 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

So far, very nice!

Faults:

I have not had the car long (bought earlier this year and only covered 7000 miles so far) but the car has full service history and according to the logs, the previous owner had some trouble with the DPF which was ultimately replaced just last year. A common modern diesel fault. The car has otherwise been fine in my ownership. Had a major service and also replaced cam-belt and water pump.

General Comments:

A common sight on the roads in the UK, a diesel Passat certainly does not stand out. But if you want a reliable functional solid car, they are hard to pass up on.

My car is grey, common color, suits it well but I would have preferred red or blue, I swear every one of these cars you see is grey! Not a bad shade, but this car deserves better and something to make it stand out; it is actually a really nice looking car when looking hard at it. Original VW alloy wheels suit the car very well.

Nice to drive, ride is smooth and the car handles very well. 2.0 TDi has plenty of torque and never struggles; it also always does over 50 mpg no matter how I drive, it is very economical for its size and weight.

Inside SE Business specification is well appointed. Comfortable and sporty feeling seats. Lots of electrics. Plenty of space.

Hard to believe it is 8 years old - I got it for a good price, and it still feels as good as new for a 2016 car. A looked after Passat is well worth a look at a nice price, I can easily recommend this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th November, 2024

2016 Volkswagen Passat BMotion Tech S DSG 1.6 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great as a taxi

Faults:

Mostly just wear and tear of age and miles. There was an ABS sensor fail and a small oil leak is coming from somewhere - no significant loss however.

General Comments:

This was another fairly basic Passat we had in our fleet as a taxi. It is still going strong after many miles, it has been ideal and cost effective to run for the business.

S model is the lowest trim level, but the car still has plenty of electrics and comfortable seats. I think it is a nice looking car inside and out also.

Quite nice to drive, 1.6 TDi with the DSG auto box is fast enough for the average driver, and still manages 55 - 65 mpg.

A bit noisy around town, but a smooth motorway cruiser.

All in all a solid reliable modern car, if a little dull.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2024

2016 Volkswagen Passat SE Business 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Tech from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Expensive to buy and overrated

Faults:

Nothing!

General Comments:

If you want a solid, safe, reliable and modern car, take a look at any Passat of this generation.

However if you want excitement and a fun drive, look elsewhere. This car is boring.

Very comfortable and well equipped interior. Smooth drive. Quality materials. Spacious and nice to be in.

It's not bad to drive, but as mentioned, just not fun. The 2.0 TDi accelerates adequately. It does return a good 50 mpg+ no matter how it is driven though, very economical for size and weight of the thing.

Quite good looking in black with original large VW alloys, mine looks good compared to most out there which seem to be a dull grey color with wheel trims or smaller alloys.

So why do I call it expensive and overrated? In short it isn't a bad car at all, I just wish VW put more fun and sportiness into this model. Reliable so far, but any issues will likely be very expensive to fix compared to similar cars. Also VW main dealer was insanely overpriced for a return service plan. Better to find a cheaper independent when the warranty is up. Oh and used values are ridiculous - Yes it holds value well, and I will not disclose what I paid for it, but it was too much, but I needed a decent used car. But a Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Insignia or just about any other in this class can offer the same for less, albeit not as "solid" cars. But I do understand that if you want quality you pay. But it remains to be seen in the long run how good this car will be, I have only had it one year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2024

19th Mar 2024, 16:17

Most cars in this sector in the UK used market are at a premium, even at a decent age with some miles on them. When VW, Ford, all of them really upped their game in the large family/executive market, they started pricing them accordingly, still undercutting BMW and the likes for similar cars however. But the prices of used cars in general has risen since all the covid nonsense, that hasn't helped.

26th Mar 2024, 08:57

True, and I think the original reviewer is being a bit unfair, he has bought a quality car with no problems, it will return on that investment :) The Passat is a safe choice for longevity. And the prices reflect that.

I've driven the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia of the same generation. Nice enough cars, but they have more common issues and don't feel as well built.

Really the only thing to compare to the Passat is the Toyota Avensis.