Used Volkswagen Passat Estate 2005 - 2015 review

Back when this generation of Passat was launched in 2005, the market for four and five-door family cars of similar size and shape was beginning to contract at an alarming rate, thanks to the rise in popularity of MPVs and, a little later, SUVs.

Buyers were being tempted away by desirable high-rise cars that had more flexible and practical interiors than even the estate versions of the popular saloons could offer. A further problem for the Passat was that it was a rather featureless car that didn't really sell itself well in the showrooms and in the glossy brochures. Indeed when the flair was handed out at VW HQ, the Passat was last in the queue.

In fact there aren't many bad things to say about the Volkswagen Passat Estate, but we may as well get them out of the way first. To start with, despite its large exterior dimensions, there's not as much boot space as you might think. The earlier models weren't as roomy as the contemporary Honda Accord, for example, and it doesn't have as many innovative features. Then there's the electric handbrake, which was one of the first on a production car like this and one that takes a lot of getting used to.

There's still plenty to like about the Passat, though. It has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, the cabin is large and comfortable with great seats, the driving position is fully adjustable and there's a logical, well laid out dashboard. All round visibility is impressive, too.

Last, but not least, the Passat is an excellent drive. Unlike its predecessors, the chassis makes the car feel nimble and alert, and the ride is always comfortable. Models fitted with the optional Sport suspension make for an even sharper drive.

There's also a range of good petrol and diesel engines available, of which the pick is undoubtedly the 2.0-litre TDI 140 diesel, which endows the Passat with the best compromise between performance and economy.

A comprehensive facelift in 2010 gave the Passat a whole new, more angular look from grille to rear lights and encompassed a restyled interior. With its standard roof-rails, the newer Passat was a sharp-looking car, with the estate looking more elegant than the saloon. The boot was larger, too, and notably capacious.

The star of the new petrol engine line up was a downsized 120bhp 1.4-litre TSI engine, selling alongside a 158bhp 1.8-litre TSI unit and a 207bhp 2.0-litre TSI powerplant. Diesel models would still account for the lion's share of sales and here customers got a 103bhp 1.6-litre TDI unit and the familiar 2.0-litre TDI engine available in two power outputs - 138bhp and 167bhp.

2012 saw the introduction of the rugged Passat Alltrack estate, an all-wheel drive and raised-up car using power from either the 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox or the 167bhp 2.0-litre TDI unit with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission.

It's a well-equipped and solid-feeling car, the Passat, in any guise, and one that feels more modern today than its age would suggest, and also one that, with careful shopping, would make an excellent used buy.

Prices for this generation of Passat Estate start at around £3500 for a car with an average mileage for the year, though high-mileage examples can be had for less. Step up to around £5000 and you should find later cars from around 2007 to 2009 with an average mileage for the year.

If you're after the newer model you'll need to spend at least £5000 for a higher mileage 2010 model, or up to £7000 for one with an average mileage. Later cars are more popular, but you'll need around £10,000 to buy a good 2012 to 2014 model from an independent dealer.

At the age of the 2005-2010 Passat what matters most is the condition and history of the individual car rather more than the year of manufacturer, so don't be put off by an older one that's been well looked after.

The earlier Passat's 104bhp 1.9 TDI engine came with an official claimed average of 47.9mpg, but you should still be happy enough with the claimed 46.3mpg of the sprightlier 138bhp 2.0 TDI or the 49mpg of the 1.6-litre TDI diesel unit, while the more powerful 167bhp 2.0 TDI version manages a claimed 44.1mpg. The V6 has the worst fuel consumption, returning a claimed 28mpg.

In June 2011, Volkswagen brought economy into even sharper focus with the introduction of improved BlueMotion Technology versions with low rolling resistance tyres, a lowered suspension plus a revised radiator grille and underbody panel to minimise drag.

Insurance is high on the V6, too, with a group 30 rating, but most of the rest of the range is in groups 20 to 24.

Despite the premium badge, servicing costs are reasonable, and there are plenty of independent VW specialists who will look after your Passat for you, at a cost that a VW dealer couldn't match. Later Passats could be covered by a VW servicing plan for used cars, which allows you to purchase two services for a fixed cost up front, and pay by direct debit. Parts are plentiful and reasonably priced, being shared with many other cars in the VW group.

Avoid the 113bhp 1.6-litre FSI petrol. It's just about okay when there's only you in the car, but life becomes a struggle with a full load on board.

Our favourite engine is the 138bhp 2.0 TDI. It's not the most powerful in the range, but it offers more-than-adequate performance. There's another, more powerful 167bhp 2.0 TDI unit which gives a very nice drive, while the 104bhp 1.9 TDI offers reasonable performance thanks to strong pulling power.

Fastest of all is the four-wheel-drive 3.2-litre 4Motion with its 247bhp petrol V6. Other petrol engines include a 148bhp 2.0-litre and the Golf GTI's 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo.

Top SEL trim provides leather as standard, Sport versions have electric seats, while SE cars get rear electric windows. But, even the base S is adequately kitted out, with air-con and a CD player, so there's precious little point in seeking out any of the more expensive ones.

Facelifted models, from 2010 onwards, followed the same basic trim line-up but received more standard kit, and a new R-Line trim was introduced. Meanwhile the new Highline trim replaced the SE.

At the start of 2014, Volkswagen also introduced a couple of luxury trim levels - Executive and Executive Style - while at the same time pensioning off the Highline, Sport and R-Line trims.

The Honda Accord Tourer is a well-built car with a reputation for reliability. Check the service history of any car carefully, but find a good one and what you'll get is a huge loadbay annexed on to a desirable car with a range of lively petrol engines and one that is surprisingly good fun to drive.

The Ford Mondeo Estate was for many years the king of this class, able to juggle the business demands of the hard-working executive while doubling up as the ideal family load-lugger at the weekends, thanks to its capacious interior and boot space. It's a great car to drive, too. Prices for used models of this vintage are as low as the Passat's, and there are many good bargains to be had. Watch out for rust and check the service history carefully.

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