[Robert Adams]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the Passat wagon has been made in the US market since 08. Jetta was the only wagon in the US market through '14 & then was changed to a Golf wagon in 15.

My own experience has been my 2010 SE 2.5 Sportwagen was one of the most reliable cars I ever owned. Bought it 2 years old certified for well under most printed values. For some reason the dealer low-balled it. Had 38k miles, clean history, the pano sunroof, all the other options and 2 year warranty. Have 160k on it and still looks & drives like new. Maintenance got a little expensive this year so retired it as a DD. Bought a 2016 Golf SEL Wagon with 32k' Silk Blue & 2 tone interior. Awesome car. MPG is better than the 2010, but it's also a completely different car with a 1.8 turbo; very peppy and good handling. Since you want a DD recommend the base model without all the electronic gizmos. I've seen some really good deals on base models with manual trans (some with the pano-sunroof) and many say they get around 40mpg. There seem to be quite a few '15-'16 available with those options. My experience so far has been good, but I could use a few less assist options, but they come with the sunroof and the 2 tone interior. For whatever it's worth CR gives the Golf Sportswagen a recommended rating. The only VW in the lineup recommended for some reason.
Good luck!