Used 2012 Volkswagen Passat S Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Volkswagen Passat S Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Too bad the refresh does not look as sharp!
Bill Jackameit, Staunton, VA, 11/23/2015
2012 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan w/Appearance (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
This is an excellent car classy looking has gone 80,000 miles in four years with no issues or repairs whatsoever. Gets just over 30 mpg on trips and runs great on regular gas. I have owned two VW's with turbo engines that were not nearly as reliable. Too bad VW dropped the 5 cylinder and also the great Tungsten Silver color. It is time for a new car and while I have looked at the … 2016 refreshed Passat it won't be the replacement the refresh while not bad looking is not as sharp and clean as the original and the 4 cylinder turbo knocks it out of consideration I just don't trust it based on experience with these small VW turbo engines. A nice low mileage 2012 to 2014 Passat 5 cylinder would be a great car for someone on a limited budget. VW should have kept the 5 cylinder its great reliability is worth the lower but still good mpg compared to the new turbo. Also finding out that the trade-in value on the Passat is lower than expected.
Reliability Issues
as0723, Bellevue, NE, 12/04/2014
2012 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan w/Appearance (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
Purchased new and in the past 3 years have had a wheel bearing replaced, suspension makes creaking noises, and the vehicle starts very rough and has even not started several times when cold. The last two items listed (suspension and starting issues) have been dismissed by the dealership service and VW as normal. Even when it wouldn't start and I had to have it towed to the dealership, … they eventually got it to start, said they couldn't find anything wrong, nothing they can do and even that the vehicle is operating normally. Normal for it to not start? That's not normal to me for a new vehicle, and not what I want out of a new car, I expect it to start every time and provide reliable service.
Better than basic transport for tall drivers
Paul Erbe, Oak Ridge, TN, 11/10/2015
2012 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan w/Appearance (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
I recently purchased a 2012 Passat S(manual) that must have been coming off lease. Even though this is the base model it has everything you would ever need. Expert reviews ding it for lacking rear-view camera and navigation. Today's smartphones handle navigation just fine and how about looking over your shoulder to back up. I drive almost 90% off the highway and my combined mpg has … been 25.66 for my first 2500 miles, seems fine for a car of this size. I do occasionally make a 60-70 mile highway trip and the on board computer has reported those trips getting 40 mpg. I am big and tall (6'5" and 300 lbs) and the front seat leg, head and shoulder room are all more than sufficient. AS a matter of fact I don't need to have the seat in the furthest bask position. I have two son who are also tall(6'5" & 6'1") and they can easily sit behind me in the back seat.
Car ok ,I satisfaction .
Wesley Ciaston, Schaumburg, IL, 12/08/2015
2012 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan w/Appearance (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
Recommended.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat S Sedan
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Roomy cabin
- Pro:available fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine
- Pro:many upscale features come standard
- Pro:high-quality cabin
- Pro:refined ride.
- Con:Below-average braking distances
- Con:lackadaisical throttle response
- Con:rearview camera not offered.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 Volkswagen Passat in Ohio is:
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