Most 2020 Passats on the Irish market are the B8 facelift with 2.0 TDI engines (common outputs ~150–190PS) and a 7-speed DSG automatic; both DPF and an SCR/AdBlue system are fitted on many diesel variants. DSG gearboxes need their prescribed fluid/filter servicing and the diesel systems (DPF/EGR/AdBlue) are more likely to show faults if the car has done mostly short urban trips. Confirm whether this car is the saloon or the larger Variant estate — the estate gives more boot space for family use.

• DSG service history and smoothness: check for jerking, delayed shifts and that the DSG oil/filter change was done at the recommended interval
• DPF condition and regeneration history: look for frequent regens, heavy soot in the tailpipe or warning lamp history (common if used mostly short trips)
• AdBlue system faults and refill record: check for warning messages and proper dosing (injector/electrical faults can be costly)
• Turbo/EGR soot symptoms: listen for turbo noise on boost and check for heavy smoke on start/accel which indicates soot/EGR issues
• Underbody and rear-arch corrosion and suspension bushes: inspect for local corrosion and worn rear bushes/anti-roll links on a 6‑year-old car