Reader Question: Last Year for Passat TDI?

Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!

Terry asks: Did VW make a TDI powered Passat in these vintages (during the “cheating” years)? How might one go about finding such a vehicle as referenced in your article? I enjoy your radio cameos with Bill Myers in Medford!

My reply: VW last sold the Passat with a TDI engine in 2015,so the cars are about four years old now. You should be able to find one in the usual way – either on the private seller market or the used dealer market. I’d look at both markets and go with the best deal on the best car I could find.

Dealers will usually charge more because they can. Some of this is justified, too. They will usually service the car and fix major and even minor issues. They will also generally detail the car – that is, thoroughly clean it, inside and out – so it will look very presentable. A dealer may also offer additional warranty coverage (read the fine print) and you may have more recourse in the event of a problem than you would with a private party “as is” sale.

On the other hand, you can save money by purchasing a car that isn’t detailed and which may need a few little things to bring it up to snuff.

The most important thing to keep in mind with either  is due diligence – take your time, check the car out carefully and don’t make a decision in a hurry or on the basis of emotions.

These are really great cars – assuming you get one that wasn’t abused. That asterisk out of the way, I am certain you will be pleased if you end up buying a Passat TDI. They are smooth, torquey and deliver exceptional mileage.

PS: Some of the cars you encounter may be “fixed” – had their software updated, etc. to correct for the “cheating” – and others not. Either way, not to worry. If unfixed, the car will pass emissions tests (if required) in your area and you won’t have any problems registering it or getting plates.

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