This VW Is Dead, but It’s a Great Bargain for a Used Car
The Volkswagen Passat midsize had a long run, with it debuting five decades ago. However, the end of the road is near for the Passat, for it will be discontinued following the 2022 model year. While a station wagon variant will continue in some global markets, the sedan version is dead. However, the Passat sedan has a second life as a used vehicle. In particular, the 2021 VW Passat is a great bargain for a used car.
2021 Volkswagen Passat is an excellent value choice for a used car
Volkswagen didn’t discontinue the Passat because it’s a bad car. Midsize sedans such as the Passat just aren’t as popular as they used to be as consumers increasingly favor crossovers and SUVs. As a result, the sales of new Passats have been low in recent years. Also, more popular models, such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, overshadow the Passat.
However, the overlooked nature of the Passat helps make it a great option for used car buyers. Lower demand results in a lower price. Also, one can get an affordably-priced used 2021 Passat that offers good value with its high-quality design, many standard features, and respectable reliability.
Wide array of standard features in 2021 Passat
Even for the base-level level S trim, the 2021 VW Passat has many desirable standard features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, and LED headlights and taillights.
Moving up the trim lineup, buyers of a used Passat can benefit from more premium features. Examples include keyless entry with push-button start, heated front seats, steering-adaptive LED headlights, and ambient interior lighting. Also, the top-tier R-Line trim has sport-inspired body styling. However, in terms of most value for your money, Car and Driver recommends the mid-tier SE trim.
2021 Passat offers plenty of interior space
Another thing that makes the 2021 VW Passat a great choice for a used car is its roomy interior. While SUVs are typically the preferred people-hauler for families, the Passat, with its spacious cabin, is a good alternative.
With a total passenger volume of 102 cu-ft, the Passat has one of the roomiest interiors in its segment. Also, it offers a generous amount of legroom, with 42.4 inches for the front seats and 39.1 inches for the rear. The rear legroom, in particular, is quite competitive compared to most midsize sedans. Additionally, the Passat has a large trunk — with a cargo capacity of 16 cu-ft.
Other attributes that make the 2021 VW Passat a great pick for a used car
Generous basic warranty coverage is an additional reason why the 2021 VW Passat is a great used car value choice. While most cars have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, the 2021 Passat ups that with a 4-year/48,000-mile plan. Unless you buy a 2021 Passat from someone that drove it for an exceedingly high number of miles over the past year, the original basic warranty will likely be good for two or three more years.
Furthermore, with its ergonomically-designed seats, the Passat provides a comfortable ride. The ride comfort is also aided by the midsize sedan’s smooth-riding suspension and predictable handling. Plus, as mentioned earlier, it has a great deal of interior space.
For longtime fans of the Passat, it’s disappointing that the midsize sedan is dead. However, for those that are looking for a high-quality used car that offers good value, the 2021 VW Passat is a great bargain.
