Vehicle price comparison
Ford Explorer vs Volkswagen Passat Radiator prices
Saurabh Kumar
Co-Founder & CTO, Part Price Guide
Built the pricing pipeline that collects and normalizes used OEM part listings from salvage yards and online marketplaces across the US.
Ambika Sharma
Co-Founder & COO, Part Price Guide
12 years of project management and technical operations experience. Reviews price guides for sample size, fitment accuracy, and data freshness.
Price face-off
Median price comparison
Condition comparison
How does the price differ by part grade?
Market analysis
Why does the Ford Explorer radiator cost more?
A used Ford Explorer radiator carries a median asking price of $155, which is 24% higher than the Volkswagen Passat at $125. Supply also plays a role: Ford Explorer has 4,182 priced listings versus 456 for Volkswagen Passat, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
The Ford Explorer average ($179) runs 15% above its median ($155), indicating a tail of high-priced listings — likely low-mileage or remanufactured units pulling the average up.
Our guide covers 11 model years for the Ford Explorer (2015–2025) but only 8 for the Volkswagen Passat (2015–2022), so the Ford Explorer data reflects a broader range of generations.
Only 69% of Volkswagen Passat radiator listings include a posted price (456 of 662 observed) — the rest are "call for price," which usually signals negotiable or higher-than-average pricing.
The Ford Explorer radiator is interchangeable across 16 model years versus just 11 for the Volkswagen Passat — that wider compatibility window means more donor vehicles in salvage yards and tends to push prices lower.
At Grade B (good) condition, the Volkswagen Passat is 47% cheaper ($103 vs $195) — the gap widens compared to the overall median difference.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used radiator
- Inspect for bent or crushed fins — minor cosmetic bending is OK, but large crushed sections reduce cooling capacity.
- Check both tanks (top and bottom) for cracks, especially along the crimped seams on plastic-tank radiators.
- Confirm the inlet/outlet positions and sizes match — some models moved ports between model years.
- Look for internal blockage: shake the unit and listen for debris, or flush it with a garden hose before installing.
Full price guide
Ford Explorer Radiator
$40 – $491 · 4,182 listings
Full price guide
Volkswagen Passat Radiator
$45 – $385 · 456 listings
Common questions
Ford Explorer vs Volkswagen Passat radiator FAQ
Is a used Ford Explorer radiator cheaper than a Volkswagen Passat?
Volkswagen Passat has the lower median by $30 (24%). The Volkswagen Passat radiator ranges from $45 to $385 across 456 listings, while the Ford Explorer ranges from $40 to $491 across 4,182 listings.
Can I use a Ford Explorer radiator in a Volkswagen Passat?
This comparison describes pricing, not interchangeability. Even when two parts share similar prices, they may require different engines, trims, electronics, or mounting points. Always match the seller's part number against your VIN before purchasing.
How many listings does this comparison cover?
This comparison draws from 4,182 priced Ford Explorer listings and 456 priced Volkswagen Passat listings — 4,638 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Ford Explorer $150 vs Volkswagen Passat $130. Grade B (Good): Ford Explorer $195 vs Volkswagen Passat $103. Grade C (Fair): Ford Explorer $75 vs Volkswagen Passat $80. Grade A parts are in excellent condition, B is good, and C is fair — always confirm grading criteria with the seller.
Are there different trim variants to choose from?
Yes. The Ford Explorer radiator has 5 trim variants and the Volkswagen Passat has 2. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
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