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"Used Volkswagen Passat Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price!"
In our opinion, the Passat is clearly a premier sedan. It has superior handling dynamics over most of the sedans in its class and we find it a particularly good value. Here's some background information for those considering the possible purchase of a used Passat.
It's no surprise that it has been a favorite among car buyers looking for "more" out of their family sedan (or wagon). It's served well as sort of an "in between" choice; somewhere between a traditional (and somewhat boring) family sedan and a beyond-the-budget luxury vehicle.
The fact is, it's actually a lot closer to what we expect from a luxury vehicle. From it's classy design, refined driving feel and long list of amenities, it's not at all surprising we see so many on the road today.
Our own experiences with Passats has been very positive. The drive quality strikes a nice balance. While it can be quiet and smooth with an emphasis on comfort, as we would expect from a luxury vehicle, the Passat also has an unmistakeable 'edge' to it and displays some real athletic driving dynamics.
We'd have to say that with its turbo charged engine, nicely tuned suspension and precise steering, the Passat is one of the most fun-to-drive midsize cars around.
We also like the fact that it is available as an all-wheel-drive as well as a diesel (however, a TDI is hard to find right now due to high gas prices and increased consumer demand for diesels).
In addition, the interior is comfortable, roomy and has a luxury feel. There's a long list of amenities and the build and materials quality is excellent.
The most available used Volkswagen Passat models in the second-hand market come from its last two generations. The current-generation, the Passat's third, made its debut for the 2006 model year and has been produced through the current model. Initially, there were four trims: Value Edition, 2.0T, 3.6, and 3.6 4Motion.
There was also a choice of two engines. The base engine for all of these models was a turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. In addition, from 2006 - 2008, there was also an optional narrow-angle V6 called the VR6 that produced 280 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It also was offered in all-wheel-drive form in the 3.6 4Motion model.
For 2007 only, there was a Wolfsburg trim which included some extra luxury features and exterior enhancements to the 2.0T. For 2008, the models were renamed Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. Used Passat shoppers should note that some of the uplevel trims were better equipped than 2009 and newer versions (likely due to the introduction of the Volkswagen CC which inherited most of these features).
Also very available in the used market is the Passat's second generation, produced from 1998 - 2005. These Passats are somewhat smaller than the current version but remain appealing for their refined styling, capable handling and solid construction. These Passats were based on the Audi A4 platform (but elongated) and have an overall luxury look and feel, both in sedan and wagon forms.
There are a choice of three engines found under these used VW Passat models. The base engine was a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, called the 1.8T, that pumped out up to 170 horsepower. There was also a very smooth V6 good for 190 horsepower, as well as a short-lived 270-horsepower eight-cylinder W8 (discontinued because it was heavy and expensive).
During most of this generation, 4Motion all-wheel drive was optional on V6 Passats (standard on W8 models). The highly-regarded and frugal 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, the TDI, was first offered for the 2004 model year. Used Passat shoppers interested in this generation should note that 2002 and newer models are the better bet due to updated powertrains and chassis upgrades.
It's also certainly no surprise to us that the Volkswagen Passat won Edmund.com's prestigious "Editor's Most Wanted Award" five times running. This is one impressive automobile and we feel it makes a solid choice as a used car purchase.
And we can suggest a number of ways to help you save considerably when buying one.
How To Buy A Pre-Owned VW Passat At The Best Price:
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Passat at the lowest price, even at wholesale.
ONE - Car Auctions:
You can go to wholesale Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area. While this will take some additional time and effort on your part, there are indeed outstanding buys (often even below wholesale) for those who shop these events.
TWO - Spot Wholesale Opportunities On Dealer Lots:
The technique explained here is incredibly effective and involves learning how to identify high quality but "price-distressed" used Passats for sale right on dealer lots, ones they are extemely desperate to sell and potentially ready to unload.
THREE - Set Up A Dealer Competition:
Another excellent method involves getting several used car dealers to compete for your business. See the details in this Used Car Buying Guide. It's just amazing what happens to prices when you force dealers to fight among each other for your sale.
Also ...
If You Are Interested In A "Brand New" Passat, there are some great deals to be had right now if you know how to do it.
