Used Volkswagen buying guide
About Volkswagen
Volkswagen harnesses a long history of German engineering to deliver cars, SUVs, and a van that are practical, stylish and versatile. Whether you're looking for a sporty hatchback like the Golf GTI, a family-friendly three-row SUV like the Atlas, or an electric VW like the ID crossover, Volkswagen delivers. While the iconic VW Beetle went out of production in 2019, other classics like the Passat and Jetta continue to be just as relevant as ever. The electric ID. Buzz, new for 2025, puts a modern spin on the classic VW van, the Microbus.
What CarMax customers like
Ride and Handling
Fuel Economy
Power
What CarMax customers don’t like
Cost to Maintain
Cabin Noise
Technology and Entertainment
Volkswagen FAQs
Volkswagens are known to be long-lasting vehicles according to data from RepairPal, which gives Volkswagen an above-average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0. In addition, CarMax inspects more than 125 details on Volkswagens that we sell, before issuing a CarMax Quality Certification.
Buying a higher-mileage car can be intimidating, but what's just as important is how the car has been maintained. Consider mileage, maintenance, and age to get a better picture of what might be suitable for your needs and budget.
Volkswagens aren't considered a luxury vehicle, so they're generally more affordable to maintain than other German makes. RepairPal found that the average annual maintenance cost across all Volkswagen models is $676.
The Golf R is typically the most expensive Volkswagen model. The 2025 Golf R comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive that gives it peak performance. The Jetta and Tiguan are also great options if you're looking for something a little less performance-oriented.
Volkswagens are considered reliable. RepairPal gives the brand an "above average" reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 stars, ranking it 12th out of 32 vehicle makes. You can check a vehicle's maintenance report to get an idea of what work has been done on it in the past and what might need to be done in the future.
Most reliable Volkswagen models
1. Volkswagen Beetle
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2. Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
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3. Volkswagen Jetta
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4. Volkswagen Golf
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5. Volkswagen Passat
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6. Volkswagen Touareg
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Ready to find your used Volkswagen?
RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.