Toyota Camry vs. Volkswagen Passat: Complete comparison 2026

Toyota Camry, also known in selected markets as the Daihatsu Altis, Toyota Aurion, or historically the Toyota Vista, is a globally popular sedan famous primarily for its exceptional comfort and uncompromising reliability. Its main European challenger is the Volkswagen Passat, sold worldwide under names such as Magotan, Santana, Dasher, or Quantum, which has long defined the standards of its class thanks to excellent practicality and precise craftsmanship. Let's take a detailed look at how these two mid-size representatives stand in a direct comparison and which of them represents a more sensible choice when looking for a reliable, approximately four-year-old used car.

When we place the Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat side by side, you immediately notice the different approach to exterior proportions. Focusing on models available on the used car market at around four years old (represented by the XV70 generation for Toyota and the popular B8 generation for Volkswagen), the Japanese representative profiles itself as an optically and physically more majestic car. With a length of 4885 mm, it is a significant 110 mm longer than the Passat in its sedan version (up to 4775 mm). This length advantage gives the Camry a more elegant and aerodynamic silhouette of a classic limousine; on the other hand, it will require a bit more caution and maneuvering space when parking in narrow city streets or underground garages.

Another key parameter for interior layout and travel comfort is the wheelbase. Here, the Toyota Camry leads again with a value of 2825 mm, which is 39 mm more than the Volkswagen Passat (2786 mm). In practice, these numbers mean more generous legroom for rear-seat passengers in the Toyota. The Passat, on the other hand, scores with a slightly taller body (1476 mm compared to 1445 mm for the Camry), which taller passengers will appreciate thanks to better headroom and a slightly more comfortable entry angle. The width of both cars is very comparable; at 1840 mm, the Camry is only 8 mm wider than its German competitor.

It is also essential to mention the fundamental difference in the range of body styles. While the Toyota Camry is offered on our market in this generation exclusively as a classic three-box sedan, Volkswagen dominates the market thanks to its extremely popular estate version (Variant). Although this does not represent an extension of the car's overall length compared to the sedan (the length is around 4773 mm), thanks to the extended roof and overall higher rear section, it fundamentally changes the car's practical usability in favor of families and transporting bulkier loads.

In terms of external dimensions and the resulting space, the choice is quite clear and will depend on your priorities. If you are looking for maximum rear legroom and the stately length of a sleek sedan, the Toyota Camry will be an excellent candidate that breathes the atmosphere of the upper-middle class. However, if you struggle daily with tight parking spaces or simply require maximum practicality combined with hauling a family, the Volkswagen Passat offers a slightly more compact and easier-to-judge footprint, which, in the estate body style, brings completely unrivaled transport versatility.

When choosing a used family car or a highway cruiser, the volume and practicality of the luggage compartment often play a key role. In this respect, both models differ significantly in their range of body styles. While the eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat (B8) is available as both a classic sedan and the immensely popular estate (Variant) on the used car market, the Toyota Camry relies exclusively on a representative sedan body for its latest European generation (XV70). For families with children, strollers, and plenty of bags, this logically means that the German representative will be much more flexible and offer better usability.

Toyota Camry in its most widespread hybrid version has a trunk with a basic volume of 524 liters. While this space is more than sufficient for regular weekend shopping and luggage for a longer vacation for a crew of four, the sedan body style simply comes with the penalty of a smaller loading opening. Access is therefore significantly limited when transporting bulkier items. Although the rear seats can be folded down in some trim levels to slide in longer items, the manufacturer does not officially state the maximum loading volume after folding for this model.

Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, absolutely dominates in terms of hauling capabilities. Even its sedan version provides an excellent 586 liters of basic volume, which in practice means space for one extra large suitcase compared to the Toyota. But the real favorite is the Passat estate, which offers a generous 650 liters in its basic configuration. After folding down the rear backrests, you get a near-van-like 1,780 liters. However, one must keep in mind a catch with the plug-in hybrid Passat GTE variant – the batteries hidden under the floor take up valuable liters, so the basic volume of the estate drops to a more modest 483 liters and the maximum to 1,613 liters.

Luggage Compartment Volume Comparison

When choosing a used mid-size car, towing capacity and trailer weight are key parameters for many drivers, fundamentally affecting the car's overall practicality. Whether it's the occasional transport of oversized items or regular towing of a family caravan, there is a vast difference between roughly four-year-old models (generations available around 2021) of the Toyota Camry and the Volkswagen Passat.

The modern Toyota Camry generation XV70 is available on the European market exclusively with the 2.5 Hybrid powertrain. However, to protect the sensitive hybrid system, this model is not homologated for towing trailers at all. Its maximum and standard weight for both braked and unbraked trailers is thus officially 0 kg. Any tow bar on the Camry serves exclusively as a mounting point for a bicycle rack. For this reason, no data for the Camry model is listed in the table below.

Conversely, the eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat (B8) is a renowned all-rounder and an exceptionally capable tow car. Its standard capacity for a braked trailer with basic petrol and diesel engines (e.g., 1.6 TDI or 1.5 TSI) ranges from around 1,500 to 1,600 kg. If you opt for the powerful two-litre versions, the maximum braked trailer weight climbs to an impressive 2,200 kg (especially for the 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TSI versions with all-wheel drive). Interestingly, even the plug-in hybrid Passat GTE variant offers a very solid capacity of 1,600 kg, clearly outperforming Toyota's hybrid technology in terms of utility. An unbraked trailer can then weigh the legislative maximum of 750 kg across all modern Passat versions.

In practice, these values mean that while the Passat offers ideal space for a few extra suitcases in a small trailer and its capacity is perfectly sufficient for weekend shopping of bulky materials or a longer holiday with a large caravan, with the Camry, your hands are unfortunately tied in this regard. If a tow bar and the ability to tow loads are a necessity for you, the Passat represents the only logical choice. The Toyota Camry, on the other hand, will appeal exclusively to drivers who care about a smooth and economical ride without needing to tow anything behind the car.

Trailer weight comparison

Different Drivetrain Philosophies: A Japanese Solitaire vs. a European Buffet

While the Volkswagen Passat B8 (post-facelift, from 2019) follows a traditional European approach and offers a massive range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines for all types of drivers, the eighth-generation Toyota Camry (XV70, from 2019) has bet everything on a single card in the Old Continent. For the Japanese sedan, only a sophisticated full-hybrid system with a large-capacity naturally aspirated petrol engine is exclusively available here. This completely different strategy plays a key role when choosing a nearly new used car. With its efficient 2.0 TDI diesel engines and DSG dual-clutch transmission, the Passat is an unbeatable express for those swallowing hundreds of highway kilometers, and in the powerful 2.0 TSI petrol versions, it will satisfy fans of dynamics. Conversely, Toyota scores with its legendary reliability, silky smooth operation, and unrivaled fuel economy (especially in heavy city and suburban traffic).

Who is it for? Budget- and eco-conscious drivers who frequently cross the city should reach for the full-hybrid Camry. High-mileage drivers with significant highway travel or, conversely, lovers of dynamics and all-wheel drive will find their favorite in the vast selection of the Passat.

Toyota Camry: The Legendary Reliability of the Only Choice

Historically, the Toyota Camry offered a diverse range of engines. From the provided database, it can be seen that in the past, units like the 2.2, 2.4, or the legendary 3.0 V6 were popular. However, these engines had their availability years end deep in the nineties and early 2000s, and they are no longer available for today's buyer interested in a modern four-year-old used car. In the current market (the XV70 generation sold primarily from 2019 to 2021 and above), you will encounter only one advanced engine in the Camry: the 2.5 Hybrid.

This is a naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine operating on the Atkinson cycle, complemented by a powerful electric motor. The combined system output is a respectable 160 kW (218 hp). The system is paired exclusively with an electronically controlled planetary e-CVT gearbox and front-wheel drive (FWD) only. A huge advantage here is the structural simplicity of the hybrid – there is no traditional starter, alternator, or clutch, making the Camry an incredibly reliable workhorse with minimal service costs. On the other hand, a weakness can be the monotonous performance of the e-CVT gearbox during sharp acceleration and the lack of an all-wheel-drive option.

Volkswagen Passat: Hard-to-Beat Versatility

The range of engines for a four-year-old Volkswagen Passat (facelifted B8 generation, models after 2019) is much wider. Looking at the data of available years, it is evident that previously popular base engines like the 1.4 TSI or the weaker 1.6 TDI ended their era around 2018 and are no longer available in nearly new used cars. Today's offering thus opens with the economical turbocharged petrol 1.5 TSI OPF with cylinder deactivation technology (ACT) producing 110 kW.

For more demanding customers and lovers of fast highway travel, the 2.0 TSI OPF turbo petrol is available, which can be found in 140 kW variants as well as a top-tier 200 kW version, which is also paired with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The traditional favorite of corporate fleets is, of course, the 2.0 TDI SCR diesel units, offering 110 kW or 147 kW with torque up to 400 Nm, making the Passat an ideal long-distance hauler with low fuel consumption. A very interesting alternative is the 1.4 TSI GTE engine, which is a sophisticated plug-in hybrid with a total output of 160 kW, where the battery can be externally charged for dozens of kilometers of pure electric driving. Most engines use the lightning-fast 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely crucial for your long-term satisfaction with the car. Our recommendations are based on real-world experience, owner feedback, actual fuel consumption, and overall mechanical reliability on the market for used cars approximately four years old. While Toyota is paving the way with a sophisticated gasoline hybrid drive without compromises, Volkswagen continues to benefit from years of experience with efficient diesel engines for long-distance travel in its Passat model. From a technological standpoint, two completely different worlds face each other, each dominating a different driving scenario.

For the Toyota Camry, we recommend: 2.5 Hybrid (160 kW / 218 hp)

In Europe and on the four-year-old used car market (XV70 generation), this hybrid system (referred to as Dynamic Force) is de facto the only and simultaneously the best possible choice. It combines the above-average dynamics of a large sedan with fuel consumption that, in real combined operation, hovers around a great 5 to 6 liters per 100 km.

• Technical advantages: The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine operating in the extremely efficient Atkinson cycle is mechanically bulletproof. In conjunction with an electric motor and a sophisticated e-CVT planetary gearbox, it offers immediate and wonderfully smooth pull. Furthermore, the car has no traditional mechanical clutch, starter, turbocharger, or conventional alternator, which immediately eliminates the most expensive service nightmares of common used cars.
• What to watch out for: Although Toyota's traction battery is legendarily durable, as a used car buyer, always demand a certificate from a recent measurement of its condition (the so-called Hybrid Health Check). Not only will this reveal any potential upcoming problem, but a successful test at an authorized dealer extends the battery warranty annually. During the test drive, do not be caught off guard by the specific sound of the e-CVT gearbox. When the accelerator is pressed sharply, it pushes the engine into sustained high revs – this is not a slipping clutch defect, but a completely normal feature of this technology.
• Who it's for: This engine is perfect for drivers who frequently move in the city and on suburban routes, for fans of smooth and calm driving, and also for those who demand absolute uncompromising reliability with minimal requirements for complex maintenance from a used car.

For the Volkswagen Passat, we recommend: 2.0 TDI SCR (110 kW / 150 hp)

For a roughly four-year-old Passat of the B8 generation, the modernized two-liter diesel from the EA288 Evo family is the undisputed king of the used car market. The 110 kW output is an absolutely ideal compromise between a very favorable purchase price, solid highway dynamics, and incredibly low operating costs.

• Technical advantages: The engine boasts a generous torque of 360 Nm, which ensures confident flexibility even with a fully loaded car, something you will appreciate most in a family wagon or large sedan. Real-world consumption on long-distance routes also commonly falls to the 4.5 to 5 l/100 km mark. The abbreviation SCR indicates the presence of urea injection (AdBlue), thanks to which the engine very effectively meets the strictest emission standards.
• What to watch out for: The biggest risk with a used diesel is the clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF), especially if the previous owner primarily drove short city routes. During the pre-purchase inspection, always have a mechanic use diagnostics to read the filter's ash load to avoid an early and very expensive replacement. If you are choosing a version with a DSG automatic transmission, it is absolutely critical to check the service book for regular oil changes every 60,000 km. Neglecting this interval leads to fatal mechatronic failures, which you can recognize during a test drive by typical jerking or hesitation when starting off.
• Who it's for: A perfect companion for "highway mile-munchers," sales representatives, and families who regularly set out on longer weekend trips and vacations. However, if you plan to use the car mainly for short "errands" to the supermarket and driving children around town, this diesel engine would suffer due to the risk of a clogged DPF filter, and we definitely do not recommend it to you.

When choosing a used car, fuel consumption is often one of the main decision criteria. However, the official figures provided by manufacturers in promotional materials often differ from everyday reality, which depends heavily on the route profile, vehicle load, and driving style. For maximum objectivity, we have therefore focused on real-world data from long-term users. The source for our comparison of roughly four-year-old used cars (specifically the Toyota Camry generation XV70 and the Volkswagen Passat generation B8 after the facelift) is the popular community platform Spritmonitor.de, where tens of thousands of drivers meticulously record every refueling.

Data source: Spritmonitor.de

From the collected real-world data, it is clearly visible what immense efficiency the full hybrid system from Toyota offers. The Camry model, with its large 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine working in tandem with an electric motor, achieves an excellent average consumption of 5.5 l/100 km. A surprising, yet typical finding for heavier mid-size cars, is that the modern small-displacement 1.5 TSI turbo engine in the Passat cannot compete with the large Japanese hybrid in terms of real-world economy. It turns out that downsizing (reducing displacement) does not always mean proportionally lower consumption in practice. In contrast, Volkswagen's traditional and sought-after 2.0 TDI diesel confidently stands alongside the Toyota, confirming its long-standing reputation as an unbeatable highway benchmark.

What do these findings mean for the typical user and their daily journeys?

• City and suburban drivers: In this environment, the Toyota Camry is the absolute winner. Its smooth hybrid system makes maximum use of regenerative braking and, in frequent stop-and-go traffic, can commonly bring consumption down to as low as five liters per hundred kilometers.
• Highway travelers: For drivers who spend most of their time on highways and cover thousands of kilometers a month, the diesel Passat remains the smarter and more economical choice. The powerful diesel here fully benefits from very low cruising RPMs and sophisticated body aerodynamics.
• Drivers with a limited budget and shorter routes: If you are choosing a more affordable version and drive shorter distances, the basic Passat 1.5 TSI is a reasonable compromise. However, its consumption increases rapidly when the car is fully loaded with a family or when you start pushing it harder on the highway.

Fuel consumption thus certainly plays a key role when deciding between these two popular models, but it does not determine a global winner. It is more a battle of different technologies for different driving profiles. While the economical diesel Passat is the uncrowned king of long-distance and highway travel, the hybrid Camry naturally dominates the city and country roads, where it offers an exceptionally reliable and efficient gasoline alternative without the need for plug-in charging.

When choosing a roughly four-year-old used car (typically 2021 to 2022 models), both models fall into interesting but different price ranges. The used car market clearly shows the different positioning of both cars – while the Volkswagen Passat (B8 generation facelift) benefits from a massive presence in corporate fleets, the Toyota Camry (XV70 generation) holds its value as an exclusively hybrid sedan thanks to its excellent reputation.

Toyota Camry (Generation XV70, 2021–2022)

The eighth-generation Toyota Camry has established itself on the European market as a comfortable highway cruiser powered by an efficient 2.5-liter hybrid. This results in its very slow depreciation and a smaller selection of used cars compared to its German competitors.

• High-mileage units: Models with mileage significantly over 200,000 km (often used in taxi services) start at amounts around €16,000.
• The golden middle ground: Commonly used cars with a verifiable service history and an average mileage of around 100,000 km typically range between €23,000 and €27,000.
• Nearly new cars: Well-equipped units with mileage up to 50,000 km commonly approach the €31,000 to €33,000 mark.

Volkswagen Passat (Generation B8 facelift, 2021–2022)

The updated Volkswagen Passat B8 is an absolute phenomenon of European fleets. The more practical Variant (estate) version completely dominates the used car market, while the car impresses with a huge selection across engine options – from economical 1.5 TSI petrol to popular 2.0 TDI diesels.

• High-mileage units: Cars primarily used on long highway routes (with mileage of 150,000 to 180,000 km) can be found at very attractive prices from €14,000 to €18,000.
• The golden middle ground: Models with mileage up to 100,000 km in standard trim levels are most often found between €21,000 and €25,000.
• Premium and special versions: Richly equipped versions with 4Motion all-wheel drive, or off-road-oriented Alltrack variants with low mileage, sell for amounts between €29,000 and €37,000 or more.

Depreciation and market availability

From a used car buyer's perspective, the Passat offers substantially more flexibility thanks to its diverse range and often lower entry prices for units with average mileage. The Toyota Camry forms a specific segment – there are significantly fewer used cars on the market and, due to the single available body style (sedan), it won't appeal to everyone. However, Toyota's hybrid drive shows extraordinary reliability even with high mileage, which helps the Camry hold its market value slightly better and depreciate more slowly in the long run.

Although premium mid-size cars often receive a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP tests, it is absolutely crucial to consider the context and the exact year of testing when comparing. The methodology and testing protocols of the independent Euro NCAP organization are constantly evolving and becoming much stricter. This means that earlier five-star results from past years cannot be directly and fairly compared with the latest ones, as modern tests require much more advanced assistance systems and better structural protection.

The eighth-generation Toyota Camry, representing approximately four-year-old cars available on the used car market, unfortunately did not undergo Euro NCAP testing at all during its European production cycle. Although this model boasts a five-star rating in the strict Australian ANCAP program and features the robust Toyota Safety Sense package with a pre-collision system as standard, it lacks official European crash test certification. For this reason, no official European data is available for the Toyota Camry in this regard, which is also reflected in our comparison table.

The Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, has long demonstrated its dominance in the field of safety. Since we always strive to draw from the latest available data, this model features the testing results of the newest generation from 2024. The car was subjected to the strictest current protocols, which now include advanced frontal impact simulations, improved cyclist detection, demanding intersection crisis scenarios, and an innovative child presence detection system. The Passat excelled and took home the full five stars.

Volkswagen's results show that modern active safety features and the body structure itself provide maximum protection for passengers and the surroundings. The car achieved 93% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection, 82% for vulnerable road user protection (pedestrians and cyclists), and 80% in the safety assist category.

If we compare both cars with regard to modern occupant protection standards, the Volkswagen Passat offers a significantly more modern and comprehensive safety package, backed by current and demanding European certification. While the Toyota Camry undoubtedly remains a highly safe and reliable car full of assistants, the lack of data from European laboratories means that for a buyer relying on bulletproof numbers and verified results, the Passat represents a clear and more certain choice.

In addition to standard equipment, each model offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer and demonstrate the completely different approaches of the two automakers to overall added value.

Toyota Camry: Hybrid Dominance and Luxury for Rear Passengers

With its executive sedan, Toyota relies primarily on unrivaled hybrid technology and surprisingly rich equipment focused on maximum passenger comfort, especially for those in the rear seats.

• Advanced Hybrid Drive: At the heart of the car is a refined 2.5-liter self-charging hybrid (Hybrid Synergy Drive), which excels in reliability and real-world efficiency. In urban and suburban traffic, it can drive a large portion of the time purely on electricity, significantly saving fuel and brake linings.
• Limousine Comfort (VIP Package): In higher trim levels (e.g., Executive with the VIP package), it offers electrically adjustable rear seats. Rear passengers also have a multifunctional touch panel in the armrest to control the audio system, independent air conditioning, and the electric rear window sunshade – a feature more commonly found in the premium segment.
• Clean Air Technology: The dual-zone (or tri-zone) automatic climate control includes Nanoe™ technology, which releases negative ions into the cabin. These effectively purify the air, neutralize odors, and moisturize the skin and hair of passengers, which will be appreciated by more than just allergy sufferers.
• Toyota Safety Sense: Even in its base trim, the Camry comes with a very comprehensive package of assistance systems, including intelligent adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
• TNGA Architecture: This specific platform gives the car a very low center of gravity and unexpectedly agile driving characteristics, while the chassis remains tuned for a smooth and quiet ride.

Volkswagen Passat: Technological Arsenal and Maximum Practicality

The German representative counters with extensive individualization options, top-tier technologies for highway travel, and immense variability in body styles.

• IQ.LIGHT Lighting Technology: Top-tier versions of the Passat can be equipped with advanced Matrix LED headlights. Thanks to a camera, the system can smoothly and interactively mask oncoming vehicles, allowing you to drive with high beams on constantly without dazzling others, and it also adjusts the light beam based on navigation data.
• Travel Assist Semi-Autonomous Driving: This assistant enables partially automated driving at speeds up to 210 km/h. It cleverly combines adaptive cruise control with predictive speed limit recognition, route profile reading (slowing down before roundabouts or curves), and precise lane keeping.
• ergoComfort Seats: Orthopedically certified (AGR) seats provide excellent body support. They can be equipped with a massage function, ventilation, and heating – an absolute necessity for drivers who spend long hours on the highway.
• DCC Adaptive Chassis: The chassis offers wide-ranging electronic adjustment of damper stiffness. While in comfort mode the Passat glides pleasantly on the highway, in Sport mode it can stiffen significantly and minimize body roll.
• Wide Range of Versions and Clever Details: Unlike the Camry (which is offered exclusively as a hybrid sedan), the Passat scores with the popular estate version (Variant) offering a trunk capacity of up to 650 liters. Additionally, it offers specific versions like the GTE plug-in hybrid or the off-road-oriented Alltrack, along with everyday details such as a full 230V power outlet in the rear of the center console.

The Toyota Camry represents an ideal choice for drivers looking for maximum reliability, low real-world fuel consumption, and a quiet, comfortable ride on long journeys. Its highly focused hybrid powertrain makes great sense even for daily city driving, but the limited practicality of the sedan body style may deter families looking for maximum hauling capacity.

The Volkswagen Passat is a long-standing benchmark of practicality, which, thanks to its giant trunk and diverse range of powertrains, meets almost any user need. It is a perfect choice for families and drivers spending hours on highways who appreciate modern technology, precise ergonomics, and swear by the estate body style.

Based on long-term user experience, service reports, recalls, and findings from comprehensive car inspections, we have compiled an objective overview of the most common problems that buyers of roughly four-year-old used cars should watch out for.

Toyota Camry

The eighth-generation Toyota Camry is generally considered a benchmark for mechanical reliability, and its hybrid powertrain is among the most durable on the market; nevertheless, it does have certain specific shortcomings.

• Infotainment and onboard systems: By far the most common source of owner complaints is the slower response of the multimedia system, outdated graphics, and occasional dropouts or freezing when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Paint and body quality: The body paint is relatively soft and thin. The car is thus much more susceptible to stone chips on the front grille and hood. A thorough physical inspection of the used car can reveal early signs of surface corrosion in areas of older damage.
• Acoustics and interior: At higher mileages and significant temperature changes, plastic creaking occurs in the center console and dashboard area. Drivers also often point out poorer soundproofing of the wheel arches at highway speeds.
• Electronics and battery: In cars that are used sporadically or sit for long periods, rapid discharge of the standard 12V car battery occurs more frequently. However, the high-voltage traction battery and electric motor themselves are almost failure-free.

Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat B8 generation (after the 2019 facelift) is considered a sophisticated highway cruiser, but given the technological complexity of its systems, it requires a much more careful approach to service history when buying second-hand.

• Infotainment (MIB3): Similar to other modern VW Group vehicles, users here are often troubled by screen freezing, spontaneous system restarts, and frequent outages of built-in online services. Many problems are solved by software updates at an authorized service center, but not always 100%.
• Dual-clutch DSG transmissions: These automatic transmissions are sensitive to maintenance. If the previous owner did not adhere to the transmission oil change interval (usually every 60,000 km), there is a risk of noticeable jerking when pulling away, poorer shifting smoothness, or even mechatronics failure. An independent check of the car's technical condition, including a test drive, is absolutely crucial for detecting transmission wear.
• TDI engines and cooling system: If diesel versions were driven primarily on short city trips, problems with a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) and EGR valve failures appear. Additionally, coolant leaks occasionally occur in 2.0 TDI engines, most often in the water pump area.
• Chassis and shock absorbers: With increasing mileage, creaking and squeaking from the front axle bushings are common. Models equipped with the popular adaptive chassis (DCC) may show leaks and "sweating" of the shock absorbers at higher wear levels, the replacement of which is very expensive.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is crucial, and both vehicles have their specifics that you need to watch out for. Here are several specific points to focus on during the test drive and inspection. Remember that before making a final decision, the best step is always an independent car audit, which will reveal defects hidden from the layperson's eye.

When choosing a Toyota Camry:

• Smoothness of the hybrid system and traction battery condition: The heart of the Camry is a reliable 2.5-liter hybrid system. During the test drive, focus on the transitions between pure electric drive and the internal combustion engine. The petrol engine should start smoothly and without a noticeable jerk. If the system hesitates during sharp acceleration or if the transition is accompanied by shocks, it may indicate wear on the flywheel shock absorber or reduced traction battery capacity.
• Brake condition and surface corrosion of discs: Thanks to very efficient regenerative braking, conventional mechanical brakes in hybrids are used significantly less. While brake pads last a long time, the discs suffer from surface corrosion due to lack of use. Visually check the discs and try braking harder a few times during the test drive – unpleasant humming or squealing usually means they need to be replaced.
• Infotainment speed and response: Models manufactured before the facelift (until 2021) have an older multimedia system. Check how quickly the screen responds to touch and ensure that pairing with your phone works correctly. The response of the older system can sometimes be slower and may not directly support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto unless a software update has been performed.
• Paint quality and stone chip protection: Japanese cars are known for using more environmentally friendly, but unfortunately also thinner, layers of paint. Thoroughly inspect the front bumper and hood. A significant amount of stone chips and chipped paint can be areas where the bodywork starts to degrade in the future if the damage is not touched up in time.

When choosing a Volkswagen Passat:

• DSG dual-clutch transmission behavior: Passat B8 generation (especially post-facelift versions) rely almost exclusively on the DSG automatic. During the test drive, simulate slow crawling in traffic, hill starts, and reversing. The transmission should not hesitate or jerk. Jerking during a slow start with the 1.5 TSI engine often indicates worn dry clutches, while harder shifting in the 2.0 TDI may signal a neglected oil change in the wet clutches.
• Chassis condition and adaptive dampers (DCC): Many used Passats are equipped with the DCC adaptive chassis. When driving over bumps, potholes, or speed bumps, turn off the radio and listen. Dull metallic thuds from the front axle most often reveal worn lower arm bushings or wear of the adaptive dampers themselves, the replacement of which is very expensive.
• MIB3 system stability and parking cameras: Facelifted versions (from late 2019) switched to the new MIB3 infotainment. During the test drive, let the navigation and system run. Occasional screen freezing, spontaneous system restarts, or delayed startup of the rear parking camera image are known software ailments. A software update at a service center often helps, but it's good to know about the problem beforehand.
• DPF status (TDI) or battery (GTE): Since most Passats on the market have a 2.0 TDI diesel engine, ask about the previous owner's typical routes. Cars driven mainly in the city may have a clogged DPF filter, which manifests as rough running and frequent regeneration starts (high idle speed and a smell near the exhaust). In the case of the Passat GTE plug-in hybrid version, have the car fully charged and check the estimated electric range – values significantly lower than the declared approx. 50 km indicate degradation of the expensive battery.

Sources: ADAC, forbes.cz, novinky.cz, autoweb.cz, autoservis.cz, carstyle.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.