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.
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Volkswagen FAQs
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 Jetta
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The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV with seating for five. It offers an engaging driving experience and a comfortable ride in a refined cabin for all passengers. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas is a larger three-row SUV that can seat up to seven. Passenger and cargo capacity are the main differentiators between the two SUVs, with the 2026 Tiguan offering a maximum cargo volume of 69.8 cu-ft with the rear seats down, while the 2026 Atlas has 96.6 cu-ft. With a potent 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Tiguan also has a high towing capacity: an estimated 1,800 lbs when properly equipped.
Apart from that, the Tiguan is easier to maneuver thanks to its compact size, whereas the Atlas sacrifices some agility for greater hauling and towing capabilities. The 2026 model with the base 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. With this in mind, the Tiguan is a more suitable option for those looking for a daily driver that's easy to get around town in, while the Atlas is more convenient for large families that travel often and need extra room for people and cargo.You can use our comparison tool for more detailed information.
The Volkswagen ID.4 and the ID.Buzz are built on Volkswagen's Modular Electric-Drive Platform. For the 2025 model year, both have an 82-kWh battery and an electric motor generating 282 hp. However, they cater to different lifestyles. The ID.4 is a compact SUV that's suited for all your daily driving needs, such as commuting, driving the kids to school, or grocery shopping. The ID.Buzz, on the other hand, is a minivan that seats up to seven and is perfect for large families who need to haul a large crew. In addition to the spacious, versatile cabin with different available seating configurations, the ID.Buzz offers plenty of room for cargo. The 2025 model has a total cargo capacity of 146 cu-ft with the second- and third-row seats folded, so you can rest assured there will be enough room for all your suitcases and other necessities on family vacations or weekend trips.
While both the 2026 Golf GTI and the Golf R are high-performance vehicles that offer an exciting driving experience, there are a few key factors that set them apart. The Golf GTI is the classic hot hatchback that's both practical and fun to drive. It has a spacious, comfortable cabin and a large trunk, which makes it a practical car for everyday use. The Golf R is the higher-performance version, designed to offer a thrilling ride. It's more potent, with the 2026 model powered by a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four that generates 315 hp and goes from zero to 60 mph in a little over four seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). It also has better traction thanks to standard all-wheel drive, while the sport-tuned suspension keeps things taut around corners. You'll also enjoy the various exterior details that highlight its sporty nature. If you are a sports-car enthusiast and enjoy high speeds, then the Golf R is the way to go. If you're more focused on practicality but still want a bit of pep, the GTI will suit you.
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The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is a spacious sedan with a beautiful cabin that can seat up to five people comfortably. It also offers ample storage space and is equipped with a range of standard tech features and amenities, making for an enjoyable experience for all passengers. What's more, the 2026 model comes with a standard 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 158 hp that's optimized for excellent fuel economy, getting an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined.
If you are looking for a practical and compact car that you can easily drive around town in, but also use for the occasional long-distance trip, the Jetta might be the right choice for you. While the 2026 Golf GTI also has a comfortable and roomy interior, it puts a stronger accent on driver engagement and offers a more exciting ride experience. The 2026 model is a sporty hatchback, powered by a base 2.0L, 240-hp engine that provides agile driving dynamics. Its fast acceleration and sharp handling make it great for performance-car enthusiasts.Compare more vehicles using our comparison tool.
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport are both strong and capable SUVs that offer a comfortable ride, but they do differ in size, design, and driving dynamics. The Atlas is the larger one, with three rows of seats that can seat up to seven, whereas the Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row SUV with capacity for five passengers. If space is important to you, the Volkswagen Atlas comes out on top. The 2026 model has 96.8 cu-ft behind the first row, while the 2026 Cross Sport has a total cargo volume of 77.8 cu-ft. If you need maximum passenger and cargo capacity, you should go with the Volkswagen Atlas. However, if you only need room for five and prefer a more compact SUV that's more nimble, agile, and engaging to drive, then the Atlas Cross Sport is the way to go.
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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.
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.