Introduction
Best used Volkswagen models offer German design, practical interiors and great handling at below new-car prices. This guide ranks the Golf, Jetta, Tiguan, Passat and Atlas for value, reliability and resale. It is also true however that not all Volkswagens are the same in terms of what they will cost you in the long run. Age of model, type of engine, what kind of transmission it has, how many miles on the clock, maintenance history and past ownership all play a role in the value of a used VW. What we are after is a car that does well in terms of price at purchase, in terms of how dependable it is, what it will cost in terms of maintenance, practicality for your needs, and what you will get out of it when you go to sell it.
The top used Volkswagens to consider are the Golf, Jetta, Tiguan, Passat, and Atlas. Each of these has a different appeal to a different buyer from the person that is after a fuel efficient compact car to a family which requires a large three row SUV. By choosing the right model year and doing a thorough inspection, buyers may find themselves the owner of a very reliable Volkswagen which they did not associate with the usual issues of a poorly maintained or less than ideal example.
1. Volkswagen Golf: Top Value Pick.
The Volkswagen Golf is a great choice for those in the market for a compact car which also has a luxurious interior and great in terms of handling. In the case of the Mk7 and Mk7.5 which did in 2017 2020 we see a very good mix of modern features, practicality and also very doable used car prices. The Golf may be small in size for daily driving but what it lacks in that department it makes up for in terms of passenger and cargo space which in turn makes it more versatile than many of its compact sedan competitors.
Buyers do well to look at individual model years and types of engines in which case some issue reports point out at 2011, 2015, 2017, and 2019 which may require your extra care. Instead of immediately ruling out that they may not buy from those years, get under the hood so to speak and check out the service history. A clean Golf that has had its routine service done is going to be a better buy as is a newer model which has been well maintained.
2. Volkswagen Jetta: Best value sedan.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a good choice for those that want a classic sedan. It features a comfy interior, great fuel economy, practical trunk space, and a smooth ride. In the later generations which include the 2020 2022 models it also brings in modern tech at an affordable price point. For the budget conscious buyer a well maintained Jetta will give excellent service without breaking the bank.
The Jetta has a long history which means some years are more deserving of caution than others. In 2019 we see a trend which supports this careful research, while at the same time the condition of any given car is more important than the model year stands alone. Before purchase check the transmission, engine, suspension, brakes, electronics, air conditioning, and service records. A Jetta with full maintenance documentation is usually a better choice than a less expensive car which has an unknown past.
3. Volkswagen Tiguan: Top of the line Volkswagen SUV.
The Tiguan is a great option for those looking for SUV practicality but are not ready to jump into a larger vehicle. With the 2nd generation Tiguan you get a large interior space, practical cargo room, the latest in tech, and a turbo four cylinder engine. Also some models feature third row seating which makes the Tiguan a great choice for families that only sometimes require that extra passenger space.
In many cases later models are to choose from which have from the improvements made post second generation. Also it is up to the buyer to look into the engine, transmission, cooling system, electronics, suspension, and brakes. Don’t base your decision to buy a Tiguan on price alone. A well maintained instance with full service history is usually worth the extra money as repair costs may outstrip what you saved in a poorly maintained car.
4. Volkswagen Passat: For comfort best of all.
The Volkswagen Passat is the choice for those looking for more interior space and highway comfort which the Jetta and Golf do not provide. It has a large cabin, premium seats, and a smooth ride which works great for daily commutes and long distance travel. As traditional sedans have gone out of fashion the used Passat is a very good value for buyers that don’t require an SUV.
In some model years of the Passat there are more reports of issues which is why careful inspection is advised. As for the 2012 2015 models in particular, do very in depth research before you buy. With the later examples you do have the chance to get a better value if they have full service history. Look out for oil or coolant leaks, transmission issues, electrical problems, wear in the suspension and evidence of regular maintenance.
5. Volkswagen Atlas: For large families.
Volkswagen Atlas is what we have for you here out this list for those that require a large three row SUV. We see it as the best choice which also includes the Tiguan which in our view is outshined by the Atlas’ size and design which is very much for the family in mind. Also used Atlas models you will find to be very valuable which is a result of high depreciation which in turn makes them much cheaper than the new three row SUVs.
However we see that the Atlas’ operation may cost you more than a smaller Volkswagen due to its size and extra systems. As for the early 2018 2019 models they are of particular interest, by the time you get to the later models you’ll have a better idea of what it is like to own them. Before you buy, check out the transmission, engine, cooling system, infotainment system, air conditioning, suspension, brakes, and tires. We highly recommend you get a professional to do an inspection.
What to Check When Buying a Used Volkswagen.
Before buying a pre owned Volkswagen do your research on the car’s history for accidents, title issues, mileage that doesn’t add up, recalls, and past owners. Also during the test drive pay attention to atypical engine sounds, transmission performance, steering, brake function, suspension noise, warning lights, and vibrations. Test out all the electrical features which include the air conditioning, windows, locks, lights, infotainment system, cameras, and parking sensors.
Maintenance records are a must. We see to it that there is proof of regular oil changes, scheduled servicing, brake work, cooling system maintenance and also that which concerns the transmission which is required. With DSG fitted, Volkswagens pay attention to the service history. Also it is a good idea for buyers to look at the tires, brakes, suspension, engine bay, and the undersides of vehicles. An independent pre-purchase inspection goes a long way in bringing to light issues which a short test drive may not reveal.
Volkswagen Years to Approach Carefully
There is no set list of Volkswagen models that all buyers should pass on. Reliability in what you buy is dependent on the engine, transmission, what work was done during the cars’ life, and general condition of each car. But buyers do well to check out history on which years had more issues. We see that in some cases certain Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Atlas models from particular years do require extra research.
It’s best to compare many vehicles instead of just looking at the model year. You may get a better deal on a well maintained Volkswagen with high mileage than a new neglected car. Also check for recalls, get a professional to look it over, and review the service history before you buy.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Golf is at the top of the list for what practical and enjoyable used car buyers are after. The Jetta does very well for those in the market for a sedan looking for a good value, also the Tiguan puts up a great performance in the SUV category. The Passat is the best choice for those that want more interior space and greater highway ride quality and the Atlas is the best option for large families which require three row seating.
Finally what you are to pay the least for is the right model year, clean history, low mileage and which has a full maintenance history. Don’t go for the cheapest VW out there. To save on repair costs and to increase what you get at trade in time do spend a little more on a well maintained example. With research and a professional inspection at your side you can experience German engineering in action in your used Volkswagens without breaking the bank.
