Mat’s car of the day: is now the right time to buy a used Volkswagen T-Roc?
Car changing is a big deal
With the new Volkswagen T-Roc just around the corner, there are some great deals available on the outgoing car. But should you grab a used T-Roc, or wait for the new one? Mat Watson is here to help you decide.
The Volkswagen T-Roc is an easy car to recommend to people. It’s small enough to navigate around tight city streets, spacious enough for the family and it’s a comfortable SUV for motorway cruising. No wonder it’s one of VW’s best-selling models.
And there’s a new T-Roc just around the corner. I’ve driven it and I was hugely impressed with how good it was to drive, as well as the new technology on board.
The thing is, it’ll be a few weeks yet before the first T-Rocs hit UK roads. If you’re after a practical small SUV, and you want it right now, here’s why I think you should consider buying a used Volkswagen T-Roc.
Three reasons to consider a used Volkswagen T-Roc
1. It has a well-made interior
The old T-Roc’s interior feels really solid in all the places that matter. Sure, the plastics on top of the doors aren’t soft-touch, but the cabin feels robust and the controls are logically laid out.
I especially like how you have separate climate controls, rather than having them routed through the screen like on the new T-Roc.
2. It’s good to drive
There are loads of different engine options in the outgoing T-Roc, with everything from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder, to the 300hp 2.0-litre engine in the T-Roc R. The 1.5-litre petrol is the pick of the range though, because it’s punchy enough and economical.
The suspension handles bumps pretty well, even though it does have a firm edge. It handles the bends nicely, too, with well-weighted, accurate steering and plenty of grip.
3. It’s practical
The Volkswagen T-Roc is basically just a Golf on stilts. It sits around 10cm higher than its hatchback counterpart, and that makes it easier to get in and out of. It also feels more spacious in the back than a Golf.
At 445 litres, the boot may not be huge but it is a nice, square shape. There’s also some handy underfloor storage and a couple of hooks for your shopping bags.
Used Volkswagen T-Roc prices
The other reason to consider a used Volkswagen T-Roc is the price, because you can make some huge savings.
Prices start from less than £10,000 for a 2018 model with higher miles, which is around a third of the cost of a new one. I reckon a nearly-new car offers the best value though.
I found this 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc Match with the 1.5-litre petrol engine and a manual gearbox. It’s got just 3,000 miles on the clock, and it’s up for just £24,500.
The Match comes with plenty of kit as standard. You get a reversing camera, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights. It’s great value for money at this price.
Three drawbacks to a used Volkswagen T-Roc
The old Volkswagen T-Roc is great, but the new one is a big improvement in a few key areas. If any of these drawbacks put you off, you may want to wait a few weeks for the new T-Roc.
1. It looks pretty dated
The old Volkswagen T-Roc looks smart, but the design is showing its age. The interior also looks pretty drab, even if it is well-built. The new car looks much sharper, especially if you go for bright yellow, and the interior is much more modern with higher-quality materials.
2. The new car is bigger
While the outgoing T-Roc is practical, the new one is physically larger in every dimension. This means it’s more spacious in the rear and has a slightly bigger boot, so if you have particularly lanky teenage kids then you might want to wait for the new car.
3. Improved technology
The previous Volkswagen T-Roc came out over eight years ago, and technology has come a long way since then. The new car has a larger, more responsive touchscreen which is easier to use, as well as some impressive driver aids, such as the self-parking feature.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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