Used 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
First VW owner
GrantK, Silver Lake, WI, 01/28/2018
2012 Volkswagen Passat SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
Overall not a bad vehicle, great mileage for a car this size, huge trunk, rear folding seats increase storage. Doors are very light and sound deadening could be better, drives nice and plenty of leg room both front and back. Seat quality is less than average, no drivers seat tilt is a joke, there is zero bolster for thigh support. The "leatherette" seating is ok, not great, front seat … heaters are nice. Starting to experience some mechanical issues, suspension rattles, drivers door locking module is failing, doors constantly auto locking after stopping or slowing down, gas cap light causing an EVAP code even after replacing the cap with a factory supplied unit. I was warned by a former VW owner that once you hit 100K things will start failing, hope that isn't the case.
Punches above its weight
caesara, North Arlington, NJ, 11/08/2012
2012 Volkswagen Passat SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
Decided on Passat as best option among mid-size sedans with a manual option.
Others with manuals only did so with uninspiring entry-level trim.
Also like the SE/non-sunroof combination as I rarely use sunroofs and they reduce headroom.
Looked at upscale sedans with manuals (BWM 5-series, Acura TL), but Passat ticks most of the boxes, and I have other uses for the cash.
German engineering … with made in the USA is a plus.
So far (5 mos, 6k miles), very pleased in a variety of situations (commuting, kid hauling, nights out).
No problems with build quality or otherwise.
Black on black, with the style of the car, has a classic look that gets complements.
Zehr gut!
Owned Since May 2012
Brian Reed, Pleasant Grove, UT, 10/03/2018
2012 Volkswagen Passat SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
This has been the best car I have ever owned.
Mechanical:
I have the underrated 2.5L 5 cylinder with the 6 speed automatic (not DSG). While this transmission is not particularly quick shifting what it does do and do very well is smoothness. It shifts right when I'd want it to and doesn't wait to downshift when I need it to. The manual mode also holds gears clear up to redline as well … as when I am climbing grades. I live in Utah so, there are many, many grades to climb. The Passat handles them all.
I have 115,000+ miles on this car in the 6+ years I've had it. I have had zero issues. I change the oil regularly and keep up with the service schedules for everything else. This engine gets awesome MPG too. Throughout its life with me, I consistently see 28 mpg city/36 mpg highway. My highest mpg I've gotten is 44.1 on I-80 from Reno to Wendover. This car has great torque down low too so it squirts off the line. Stick the shifter in Sport mode and all that torque will squeal the tires and match revs as it speeds away. Manual mode is a blast too. It is a controllable Sport mode.
Interior:
Rattle-free to this day. I am a big guy. I have long legs and like to stretch out as I drive. I do not want the keys to hit me in the leg. In other cars, this driving position clobbers rear seat legroom and limits it to a duffel bag on the seat as the only thing that fits. In this car, I have friends, some of which are 6 foot 6 inches tall, sit behind me there and still have room - knee, foot, whatever. The car is a limo. The seat material has held up great. No tears, no split seams, nothing.
The only issues I have with the interior are the lack of rear seat HVAC vents in the center console. That and the metallic coating on the front passenger door latch has started to come off.
EVERYTHING else looks like new. This car has been used in grizzly Los Angeles rush hour traffic, 1,000+ mile road trips, dogs, suitcases, packages, BBQ grills, whatever. It still looks new!!!
Recommendation:
I wish VW still made this car with the 5 cylinder. I love this car and highly recommend it to anyone looking for something reliable, roomy, and economical.
Great Car
belaircarguy, Baltimore, MD, 10/30/2012
2012 Volkswagen Passat SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
Traded my 2009 Jetta for a manual (5 speed) Passat SE.
Car is well built, good visibility, and quite on the highway.
I would say the ride is medium firm, as compared to the Jetta, which was firm.
Seats are very comfortable for long trips, with no backaches after a 3-4 hour journey.
Huge trunk, and giant backseat with loads of room.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE 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 Louisiana is:
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