Used VW Passat B8, the continental choice from RM75k? What to look out for?

• Pre-facelift had a drivetrain as close to a Passat "GTI" as we'll get
• Overall one of the better handling cars in its segment
• Well specced across the range

Traditionally the stronghold of the Japanese, the Volkswagen Passat B8 is often portrayed as the left-field choice in the executive D-segment but has the chops to not just give its eastern competition a run for their money, it can literally leave them trailing behind with its punchy performance and well-deserved continental comfort levels.

While most of its competitors choose to focus on comfort, the Passat was a rare combination of comfort and performance without one overwhelming the other; leaving us with a well-balanced executive sedan perfectly at home on the highway or the tighter trunk roads if the driver needed a little zest behind the wheel.

Variants sold in Malaysia

The current B8 Passat was launched in late 2016 as a CKD model and could be had in 3 variants; the 1.8 TSI Trendline, 1.8 TSI Comfortline and the flagship 2.0 TSI Highline; the last of which was essentially a Passat GTI.

Power from the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine was a modest 180 PS and 250 Nm mated to a 7-speed DSG setup.

As for the 2.0 TSI Highline, its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine made 220 PS and 350 Nm which was delivered to the front wheels via the 6-speed DSG with a wet clutch setup from the GTI as well. Although the engine and DSG are similar to the GTI, the one fitted in the Passat had a different tune.

Equipment wise, the Trendline did reflect its entry-level positioning with the equipment it packed such as 16-inch wheels, halogen headlights, manual adjustable front seats and a 5.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.

However, it did still bring plenty to the table in the form of LED taillights, a multifunction steering wheel, push start, front and rear parking sensors, electric parking brake and triple-zone climate control with rear vents.

At the time, Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia (VPCM) expected the Comfortline to be the bread-and-butter variant. Naturally, it did pack just the right kit to fit the mould.

You’ll find LED headlights and DRLs, larger 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, power-adjustable leather seats with memory function for the driver, 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, paddle shifters, cruise control and a powered boot lid.

If you absolutely needed some zing in your family sedan, there was no better option than the 2.0 TSI Highline Passat.

It had all the bells and whistles such as 18-inch wheels, the upgraded Discover 6.5-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink and an electric rear screen blind.

Furthermore, to complement the GTI powertrain, the Highline had a digital instrument cluster as well as the fantastic XDS electronic differential lock. Lastly, it introduced Dynamic Chassis Control with 5 modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual); each altering the engine mapping, shifting times and damping accordingly.

Safety though was standard across the range with six airbags, ESC, ABS with brake assist, anti-skid regulation, hill-hold control and Isofix mounts although the Highline also received a Lane Assist function.

In 2020, right before the world as we knew it changed, VPCM introduced the facelifted Passat B8. Things were much simpler this time around with just a sole 2.0 TSI Elegance variant.

The detuned engine made just 190 PS and 320 Nm and also adopted the new 7-speed wet DSG; the first use of that transmission in Malaysia at the time.

It didn’t skimp on the kit though with LED headlights that integrated sequential indicators while the taillights were refreshed with new inner graphics for that unique “three-wing” design.

Infotainment was one of the big winners, upgrading to a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display that now included voice control, gesture control and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Safety tech carried over but with the addition of Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring.

Reasons to buy a Passat B8

Simply put, if you wanted some excitement behind the wheel with your D-segment sedan the Passat was the only way to go. It didn’t fall into the same mould as the more mundane Japanese options and delivered a pretty dynamic drive whilst still ticking all the boxes expected of a large executive sedan.

In terms of handling in the D-segment, the Passat is among the best. If you do get the Highline, let’s just say you’ll be relishing trunk roads when they do pop up.

Furthermore, remnants of the mentality that a “continental” car is better still lingers in the mindset of many, especially the elderly.

We’re not saying it’s an entirely accurate notion but if it makes you feel better (and the Passat will definitely achieve that), why not go for something with roots in the home of the Autobahn.

That’s definitely worth some banter points at the mamak when your friend shows up in his “uncle” Japanese D-segmenters.

Used market prices for the Passat B8

Seeing that the Passat B8 was launched in November 2016, there’s understandably limited units from that year. However, we’ll get into details below on why you should go for one if you do come across a 2016 model year.

The Trendline variants hover around the RM 75k to RM 98k range whereas the best-seller Comfortline starts a little higher at around RM 80k and ranges all the way up to RM 100k for some examples.

Nonetheless, everyone’s eyeing the unofficial Passat Highline and unsurprisingly, it sold really well so there’s no shortage of choices.

The Highline ranges from RM 95k and climbs up; like its performance, all the way to RM 130k for final year examples.

If you’re looking for a newer, facelifted model, pricing for the Elegance is anywhere between RM 140k to RM 160k. While that does sound a little steep, bear in mind that the Elegance did come with a 5-year warranty and 3-year free maintenance package that should still be in effect this year.

Which Passat B8 variant to get

Here’s where certified pre-owned initiatives really shine through. VPCM has its own Das Welt Auto (DWA) programme that makes available certified pre-owned Volkswagen cars to buyers.

Purchasing a used car can be quite a daunting prospect, especially in terms of maintenance history and tampered mileage.

DWA carries out a stringent 133-point check on every pre-owned Volkswagen that is placed for sale under its banner. Furthermore, it tacks on a 1-year extended warranty with 1-year roadside assistance for its certified offerings.

In fact, any DWA model that’s under a year old will even be eligible for financing with interest rates similar to that offered for a new vehicle. Simply put, you can get certain pre-owned Volkswagens from DWA with lower interest rates compared to outside.

As for which is the best variant to get, the easy choice will be the pre-facelift Comfortline. There’s a reason it was the best-seller and is a well-balanced variant of the 3 at the time.

However, if you have an itch that you constantly need to scratch on the road, the obvious answer then would be the Highline variant.

The facelifted Elegance variant is a solid buy as well, especially considering the 3-year free service package will still be active and help you save some money for a couple of years or so.

Things to look out for when buying a Passat B8

Here’s where programmes such as DWA really prove their worth. Some of the early Passat pre-facelift models would have breached the 100,000 km mark by now, meaning plenty of consumables will need checking.

DWA would’ve done that for you already, making it a peace-of-mind purchase.

However, one thing to keep an eye on if your Passat is still within the warranty stage is ECU remapping. This easy performance mod is popular among Volkswagen owners and is a quick way to unlock power from the engine without physical modifications.

It goes without saying though that this will void your warranty. Part of DWA’s 133-point check includes looking out for this and will be able to verify if the ECU has been tampered within 10 minutes of sending the report over to the mothership, Volkswagen AG.

Another issue that’s rampant in the used car market here is tampering with the odometer or mileage. This isn’t restricted to just Volkswagen but affects almost all pre-owned cars.

DWA is able to check for odometer tampering with a full diagnostics process if the service history is dubiously unavailable from the previous owner. This too would’ve been covered before the car is given the DWA seal of approval for sale so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Also Read: Worried about mileage tempering when buying a used car? Here's how to check

Part of the value-added-service with DWA includes a discount of 30 percent on certain part and labour for vehicles above 5 years old; or in other words past their warranty stage.

The DWA repair packages covers:
- front and rear absorbers
- front and rear brake pads and discs
- front and rear wheel bearing
- timing belt
- clutch
- oil seal and gasket replacement

Lastly, this general piece of advice should be included with any purchase of a pre-owned car within the next couple of years and not just for the Passat… be wary of flood-damaged cars.

Massive flooding has affected parts of Malaysia recently and with that comes a load of flood-damaged cars that owners will be looking to push off. Our guide on how to spot flood-damaged cars below is an excellent starting point and definite must-read before venturing into the market for any pre-owned car at this point of time.

Also Read: Buying used cars: 6 signs of flood damage

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a used D-segment sedan that handles exceptionally well, the Passat will tick those boxes.

Dynamic handling, plenty of tech and the looks to match, the Passat B8 has it all and then some. You’ll definitely stand out at the company parking lot as well as stand ahead on the road with all that power at your feet.

In fact, the variants for the entire range ensures that there’s a variant for everyone and DWA covers the worry-free aspect of it with their inspections and warranty.

DWA has also put on the table a geneorus trade-up offer for all existing Volkswagen owners should they be looking to upgrade to a brand new VW by trading in their used VW via DWA.

Check out a few prime examples of pre-owned Passat B8s on the DWA site here.