Best Used VW: Top 10
Volkswagen Concern is one of the world's largest automakers, known for its wide range of vehicles that utilize high technology, renowned for their reliability and unique style. Founded in Germany in 1937, the Volkswagen brand has become synonymous with quality and innovation in the automotive industry. The company's range ranges from compact cars to luxury SUVs.
Volkswagen Group is one of the largest companies in the world, and without being tied to the automobile industry. Volkswagen is one of the top ten largest companies in the world in terms of revenue, controls 12 brands, has more than 50 subsidiaries and is mainly owned by the Porsche-Piech family. Volkswagen has established itself as a powerful player in the automotive industry, consistently outperforming its competitors in sales.
In 2023, Volkswagen brand products accounted for six percent of the global automotive market, second only to Japan's Toyota. In the same year, its luxury brand Audi became one of the top ten most valuable automobile brands along with Porsche, which is also owned by the automaker. As of June 2024, Audi was valued at seven billion dollars, while Porsche was valued at 16.7 billion dollars. The group's 2023 financials confirm its status: between 2006 and 2023, Volkswagen AG's revenue more than tripled.
In the review we will consider the most popular used cars of the German concern. So, which Volkswagen is better to buy on the secondary market - let's find out.
Top 10: the best Volkswagen models
Our rankings include:
- Volkswagen Golf Mk7 (2012-2020)
- Volkswagen Passat B7 (2010-2014)
- Volkswagen Tiguan Mk2 (2016-2021)
- Volkswagen Touareg Mk2 (2010-2018)
- Volkswagen Jetta Mk6 (2010-2018)
- Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (2009-2017)
- Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3 (2008-2017)
- Volkswagen CC (2008-2017)
- Volkswagen Beetle A5 (2011-2019)
- Volkswagen Sharan Mk2 (2010-2020)
Now more about each model to understand which VW is better.
Volkswagen Golf Mk7 (2012-2020)
The original version of this model came out in 1976 and since then, through numerous generations and with the help of many imitators, it has given performance, handling and driving pleasure to the masses. The Golf GTI reviewed here is the seventh generation version, which was the best at the time of its original release in 2012.
The Golf GTI has always had distinctive features that set it apart from its peers. The red stripe around the radiator grille, the black rear window surround, the smaller sport steering wheel, the golf ball shaped gear lever and the cage upholstered seats. All of these elements have remained relevant for nearly forty years, and when the MK7 Golf GTI was introduced in 2012, Volkswagen had no intention of changing them.
This model utilizes the new MQB platform, which has given it a sportier and more dynamic posture. This has been achieved by moving the front wheels forward, which has reduced the size of the front overhang, visually lengthened the V-shaped hood and shifted the passenger compartment slightly to the rear. The result is a taut appearance that looks particularly good from the side, with a rear pillar design that resembles a bowstring, giving the car a dynamic feel even when stationary.
The manufacturer presented the car, which has 15 mm less ground clearance than its competitors, with beautiful 18-inch alloy wheels and red calipers that fill the arches. By the way, in our opinion, the three-door version looks a bit better than the five-door version, thanks to the long doors visually lengthening and lowering the profile.
At the front, the car has a red stylistic line that extends not only through the grille, but also through the bi-xenon headlamp clusters above the three horizontal black aerodynamic fins on the sides of the grille covering the lower air intake. There are "GTI" red "GTI" vents on a chrome base on the sides. The roof spoiler is larger than on the regular Golf.
Inside, too, there are a lot of innovations. Massive sports steering wheel with three spokes, upholstery of seats in a cage and gear lever in the form of a golf ball - all this, as we have already written, remained in place. But it is by no means a look into the past: buttons and switches are located exactly where it is convenient for users, and everything is in its place. Everything has been thought out to the last detail and even the carpeting in the storage drawers to keep the keys from rattling while driving.
The upholstery on top of the dashboard is pleasant to the touch, and the center armrest is adjustable in length and height. A 2Zone climate control system that can adjust depending on the direction of the sun. The comfortable seat has been moved back, while the pedals are slightly wider and there's a wider range of adjustment for the multifunction steering wheel. Between the instruments is a center display with carousel-style graphics, showing everything from navigation information to a stopwatch.
Volkswagen Passat B7 (2010-2014)
The best used Volkswagen is the Volkswagen Passat, a model that needs no introduction. From its humble beginnings in 1973, the car has evolved slowly and steadily until it reached its current level. It can now be described as a full-size sedan or station wagon that is superbly built and sits between more mainstream products from Ford, Vauxhall and other manufacturers, but falls short of the truly premium brands of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.
The seventh generation of the Volkswagen Passat was in a sense a reaction to times of crisis for Volkswagen. The European car market was thrown into chaos by the 2008 credit crisis, and it was cars like the Passat that were particularly affected. The sixth generation model was relatively new, having debuted in 2005, but sales were plummeting.
This generation became synonymous with such concepts as "efficiency" and "affordability": the old sporty R36 version with 300 hp was discontinued, and the engine lineup was based on familiar units - 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0-liter petrol, as well as 1.6 and 2.0-liter TDI diesels. Leading the gasoline lineup was a smaller 1.4-liter TSI engine with 122 hp, sold alongside a 1.8-liter TSI engine with 160 hp and a 2.0-liter TSI unit with 210 hp. The bulk of sales were diesel models: a 1.6-liter TDI engine with 105 hp and a 2.0-liter TDI engine available in two power outputs - 140 hp and 170 hp. All engines could be equipped with either a manual transmission or a DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
Volkswagen Tiguan Mk2 (2016-2021)
In 2019, the Volkswagen Tiguan became the best-selling model of the German brand in the world and holds this title until now. The compact crossover overtook its brothers - the Polo and Golf hatchbacks - in sales, despite the fact that only the second generation has seen the light of day.
By 2020, more than 6 million units of the Tiguan had been produced. The original version, which debuted in 2007, accounted for 2.8 million of that number. The second generation proved even more popular despite the arrival of smaller and more affordable crossover siblings such as the T-Cross, Taigo and T-Roc.
Built on the A2 version of the MQB platform, which is widely used across the VW Group, the Tiguan AD/BW generation offered more space and technology compared to its predecessor, while also receiving a more stylish design and higher safety rating, earning a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2016. This generation also introduced an Allspace version with 3 rows of seats, longer wheelbase and 7 seats.
When production began in August 2016, only the 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder EA211 turbocharged gasoline engine was available, offered in two power options: the 92 kW version was equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the 110 kW version was equipped with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Volkswagen Touareg Mk2 (2010-2018)
The big news in the 2010 version of the Touareg was its weight, which has been reduced by as much as 10 percent across all variants. At the same time, the new Touareg is roomier, more fuel-efficient, better equipped and, Volkswagen claims, better handling thanks to a new engine lineup and a new, lightweight steel suspension.
The new Touareg is available only with the 3.0 V6 TDI engine, which is available in two power variants and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the BlueMotion Technology package standard on all trims.
Another feature of the new Touareg is its fundamental rigidity, which has made it one of the stiffest cars in its class. This, in turn, has allowed Volkswagen engineers to create an all-new steel suspension that significantly improves the Touareg's comfort and handling.
VW has also completely redesigned the all-wheel drive system, improving not only off-road performance (more ground clearance and improved entry/exit angles) but also overall efficiency.
The exterior design of the Touareg has not changed that much. The exterior update was in line with the changes to other autos of the corporation, giving the car a modern and neat look that helps to hide its size. It is certainly not a radical change, but the car looks really stylish and harmonious.
Volkswagen Jetta Mk6 (2010-2018)
The new generation Jetta was unveiled at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The design was developed by the company's chief designer, Klaus Bischoff, and is said to be inspired by the NCC (New Compact Coupé) concept unveiled in early 2010. Nevertheless, there is nothing unexpected about the Jetta for the latest generation of Volkswagen cars.
After the introduction of the sixth generation Volkswagen Golf, it was only a matter of time before the Volkswagen Jetta would appear on the same platform. The design of the car is based on the style used in all modern VW models - strict, restrained lines, angular headlights, the main emphasis on order and harmony.
The car is 90 mm longer than its predecessor (the wheelbase is 73 mm longer than the sixth generation Golf), its distinctive feature is a huge trunk with a volume of 510 liters. In fact, the Jetta looks more like a mini-Passat than its Golf sibling. Not surprisingly, the new Jetta is technically quite different from the Golf - the cars no longer share body parts.
But this does not concern the interior. Here we are greeted by familiar VW design, comfortable, neat, easily accessible instruments and German build quality, which has become a benchmark. Under the hood are TDI diesel engines (1.6 liter, 104 hp and 2.0 liter, 138 hp) and TSI gasoline engines (1.4 liter, 120 and 158 hp). For a car with a large mass these engines are enough for it not to lose power on winding mountain roads and smooth highways. The car is docile, predictable in corners and absorbs road irregularities well. Obviously, the Jetta attracts those buyers who prefer sedans but find the VW Passat model too expensive.
Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (2009-2017)
It is the first VW Group car built on the new MQB A0 platform, which will also be used in the following models: Audi A1, Seat Ibiza and Skoda Fabia. Volkswagen offers the car in three- or five-door versions with a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, including the ultra-efficient BlueMotion model with fuel consumption of more than 80 miles per gallon and the sporty Volkswagen Polo GTI version with 178 hp.
In between these two units are the atmospheric 1.0 liter gasoline engines, turbocharged 1.0, 1.2, 1.4 and 1.8 liter TSI gasoline engines, and two turbodiesels with 74 to 89 hp.
There is little new in the design of the Volkswagen Polo. The first thing that catches the eye is the increase in its dimensions compared to the previous model: the length has increased by 54 mm, width by 32 mm, and now the Polo is only 15 mm shorter than the Mk2 Golf.
The styling of the Polo is closely related to Volkswagen's established products, especially noticeable is the wide and short grille connecting the headlights. Despite the fact that the new Polo uses a different platform, not much has changed in the suspension.
Volkswagen Scirocco Mk3 (2008-2017)
If you are on a tight budget, the best thing to do is to buy a used Volkswagen. Especially if it's going to be a Scirocco. With unique styling, impressive quality, amazing practicality and a combination of driving pleasure and comfort, the Volkswagen Scirocco still remains attractive on the aftermarket. If you're looking for glamor, fun and want to stand out but are on a tight budget, this would be a great choice. It's a decent alternative to the Audi TT and BMW 1 Series Coupe, and significantly better than the Vauxhall Astra GTC, Alfa Romeo Brera or Volvo C30.
In 2009, the model range was supplemented by the Scirocco R. Its 2.0-liter gasoline engine produced 261 hp, which for a front-wheel-drive car was an appreciable figure. To improve grip in fast corners, it was equipped with the Golf GTI's XDS electronic differential lock.
The suspension, which was lowered and equipped with Dynamic Chassis Control, offered a choice of three settings. Top speed was 250 kilometers per hour and acceleration to 100 kilometers/hour took 6.0 seconds. Today, these early versions of the R are still in price.
The 2010 Scirocco received sleeker instrumentation and steering wheel from the Golf Mk6, followed by a touchscreen navigation system in 2012. However, the most significant changes came in the 2015 restyling, when the power of the R version was increased to 276 hp.
Volkswagen CC (2008-2017)
VW has done to the Passat what Mercedes did to the E-class, the only difference is that the latter has been given a separate name - CLS, while the new VW has to cope with life, bearing the full burden of the Passat name. In the update, this car has indeed gained more individuality. This is largely due to a more expressive front end with an elegant chrome grille and redesigned bi-xenon headlights. The bumper has also been updated, receiving an additional air intake and silver "wings" framing the fog lamps. The profile is sleeker thanks to more pronounced side sills. At the rear, above the sleeker bumper, are upgraded LED taillights that complete the tapered rear end.
It really is a very handsome car indeed. As before, the Volkswagen logo acts as a handle for opening the trunk, but you don't have to use it if you have a contactless trunk opening device installed: by approaching the car with the key in your pocket and your hands loaded, you can open the trunk with a movement of your foot under the bumper.
The changes that distinguish this improved model from the original 2008 Passat CC were not particularly significant, but they were enough to give the car a distinct and prestigious personality. As a used car, this model is much more attractive than a base BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 of the same period, which cost about the same.
Volkswagen Beetle A5 (2011-2019)
The Beetle is essentially a Mk6 VW Golf from the outside. One of the advantages of this is that the careful engineering of the Golf has been fully transferred to the Beetle.
The Volkswagen Beetle model lineup has quite a rich history. If you're not familiar with it, let's take you back to the early 1940s, when the German "People's Car" was being created. Later generations of buyers recognized this model under a different name - Volkswagen Beetle, and by the time the German brand finally released the modern version in 1998, more than 21 million copies had been sold worldwide.
Traits of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche's "People's Car" have somehow made their way into the third-generation model, most notably in the large wheels under the widened arches and the rear pillar that follows the contours of the original design. There is clearly something of the past, skillfully blended with a sporty vision of the future. There is a whole culture of Beetle tuning in the US, and when it came time for the MK3 model, Americans wanted power, not just design imitation.
In the interior of the three-door body, the doors open very wide, but they are unlikely to cause problems in tight parking spaces. At the steering wheel you will see a traditional vertical instrument panel with three classic dials, visible through a sporty three-spoke steering wheel with a thin rim.
Unfortunately, the plastics used for trim are also traditional, without soft-touch surfaces like in the Golf. Nevertheless, the build quality is not bad, although the subsidiaries produce cars that do not fully comply with the German Golf build standards. The look and feel matches the retro styling of this car, especially in the more expensive versions with body-colored inserts on the sills and dashboard.
Other elements reminiscent of early Beetle models include a glove box with upward opening, stylish elastic straps in place of door pockets, and additional gauges that can be mounted above the infotainment system controls.
Volkswagen Sharan Mk2 (2010-2020)
Rounding off our review is the best Volkswagen in value for money. The original Sharan shared a platform with the Seat Alhambra and Ford Galaxy, but the second-generation model is only related to the Seat, its VW sibling. Both minivans are almost identical, which means stylish design, spacious interior and quite good driving performance.
It came with a lineup of efficient engines: a 1.4-liter gasoline engine available with manual or automatic transmission, and a 2.0-liter TDI diesel available in two power options, with manual or automatic transmission.
On the road, all powertrain variants are smooth and quiet, but the diesels offer more traction at low revs and better fuel economy. They may not inspire drivers who like a dynamic ride, though. The best balance is probably the 148bhp 2.0 TDI version, as it offers the necessary traction, while its CO2 emissions are lower, as is its fuel consumption.
The main advantage of Sharan is its huge and high-quality interior. Convenient features such as sliding rear doors (in some configurations they are electrically operated) make it much easier to get in and out of places where space is limited. The vehicle's two rear seats comfortably accommodate tall adults, and the trunk remains roomy even with all seats up. With the two rear rows of seats folded down, the luggage space is truly enormous.
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