Top 5 most reliable used Volkswagens

At Occasion Beaucage, we know that most of the time, the first thing people look for when buying a used car is reliability. That said, many of our customers also shop by brand, and Volkswagen is a very popular manufacturer with used car hunters. So here are the five most reliable used and pre-owned Volkswagen vehicles on the used market right now, based on our experience.

The Beetle, or “Bug”, is the car that literally put Volkswagen on the map. It debuted in 1938 as “the people's car” and, believe it or not, was produced until 2003 in emerging markets such as Mexico. In 1997, the New Beetle arrived with a retro-inspired design that drew strong reactions. Its production ended in 2010, and the Beetle (A5) replaced it in 2012. This generation offered a less polarizing design and a roomier cabin. It was built on the A5 “PQ35” modular platform, which it shared with many VW Group products such as the Golf, the Jetta and even the Audi Q3. So we're a long way from the dimensions of the very first Bug, which is a good thing in itself. Under the hood, it came with a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder from 2012 to 2015, before that engine of questionable reliability gave way to the much more robust 1.8-litre turbocharged TSI 4-cylinder. That's the version we recommend, given its proven reliability in many of the brand's products.

That's why it ranks 5th in the Occasion Beaucage Top 5 most reliable used and pre-owned Volkswagens. Looking for a used Volkswagen Beetle for sale in Drummondville, Magog, Sherbrooke, Cowansville, Saint-Hyacinthe or Granby? Occasion Beaucage is where you'll find the best price!

Optimized for the North American market, the 2012 redesign of the Passat brought a host of improvements to the German sedan: more space up front and in the back, better handling, an up-to-date infotainment screen and several modern safety systems. Although it's assembled at VW's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the cabin's fit and finish is somewhat below what you might expect from a German car.

Even so, the Volkswagen Passat remains a mechanically solid sedan and is more fun to drive than most of its American rivals. That's why it earns a spot in the Occasion Beaucage Top 5 most reliable used and pre-owned Volkswagens. Looking for a used Volkswagen Passat for sale in Drummondville, Magog, Sherbrooke, Cowansville, Saint-Hyacinthe or Granby? Occasion Beaucage is where you'll find the best price!

The 6th-generation Volkswagen Jetta debuted in 2011 with a new look, a more modern cabin and more rear-seat room. Volkswagen's philosophy with this car was to make it more affordable than the competition. To get there, the German automaker moved production of its sedan to Mexico, where 70% of the parts were designed and made. Admittedly, the quality of the cabin materials took a hit, as did some mechanical aspects, such as the switch away from an independent rear suspension. However, these changes not only helped lower the price of the 6th-generation Jetta when new, but also on today's used market, as well as the cost of replacing certain parts that used to be made in Germany and were therefore more expensive. As for engines, several options are available: a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder, a 2-litre 4-cylinder replaced from 2016 by a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, and of course a diesel version in the TDI model, which made headlines in the Dieselgate scandal. We don't recommend that engine, for obvious reasons.

But whichever powertrain you choose (except the diesel), the Volkswagen Jetta remains a reliable car for its very affordable price, which is why the Jetta earns 3rd place in the Occasion Beaucage Top 5 most reliable used and pre-owned Volkswagens. Looking for a used Volkswagen Jetta for sale in Drummondville, Magog, Sherbrooke, Cowansville, Saint-Hyacinthe or Granby? Occasion Beaucage is where you'll find the best price!

The Volkswagen Tiguan arrived on the North American market in 2008 and got its first redesign in 2011. It gained new headlights and taillights, a new grille and a new three-spoke steering wheel. This “Phase II” was a big step forward, and we don't recommend buying an earlier “Phase I” Tiguan because of reliability. Built on a platform shared with the Golf and the Passat, among others, the Tiguan is known for its impeccable soundproofing, roomy cabin (especially in the back) and excellent fit and finish. You'll also enjoy its handling, as well as its spirited 2-litre turbo 4-cylinder, an excellent compromise between performance and fuel economy. Note that the Tiguan came standard with front-wheel drive, but 4Motion all-wheel drive was also available as an option. In 2015, the Tiguan got a minor refresh focused on better fuel economy and on adding standard safety equipment such as a backup camera.

For all these reasons, the Volkswagen Tiguan earns 2nd place in the Occasion Beaucage Top 5 most reliable used and pre-owned Volkswagens. Looking for a used Volkswagen Tiguan for sale in Drummondville, Magog, Sherbrooke, Cowansville, Saint-Hyacinthe or Granby? Occasion Beaucage is where you'll find the best price!

The 7th-generation Volkswagen Golf debuted in North America in 2015. Beyond the styling, the biggest change was under the hood, dropping the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder in favour of a 170-horsepower 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder that's much more fuel efficient and reliable. The cabin was also greatly improved with a more modern infotainment screen featuring Apple CarPlay, along with higher-quality materials compared to the MK6. And of course, driving enthusiasts aren't left out either, with the GTI and R versions of the Golf, which are real gems on the used market!

Thanks to its reliable powertrain, well-designed cabin and wide range of models, the Volkswagen Golf earns 1st place in the Occasion Beaucage Top 5 most reliable used and pre-owned Volkswagens. Looking for a used Volkswagen Golf for sale in Drummondville, Magog, Sherbrooke, Cowansville, Saint-Hyacinthe or Granby? Occasion Beaucage is where you'll find the best price!

We also know that owners of used Volkswagen Golfs often trade in their Golf for a newer version. If one of the models in our inventory interests you, ask about the trade-in value of your used Golf. We'll be happy to offer you the best price for your used Golf for sale in Sherbrooke, Brossard, Drummondville, Granby, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and even further!