Vehicle price comparison
Ford Explorer vs Volkswagen Passat Strut 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 strut cost more?
A used Ford Explorer strut carries a median asking price of $120, which is 41% higher than the Volkswagen Passat at $85. Supply also plays a role: Ford Explorer has 5,089 priced listings versus 146 for Volkswagen Passat, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
Grade A (excellent condition) parts make up 70% of Ford Explorer listings compared to 51% for the Volkswagen Passat, so buyers looking for top-condition units will find more options on the Ford Explorer side.
The Ford Explorer average ($144) runs 20% above its median ($120), 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 34% of Volkswagen Passat strut listings include a posted price (146 of 432 observed) — the rest are "call for price," which usually signals negotiable or higher-than-average pricing.
The Ford Explorer strut is interchangeable across 15 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 A (excellent) condition, the Volkswagen Passat is 38% cheaper ($77 vs $125) — the gap widens compared to the overall median difference.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used strut
- Check the shaft for pitting or rust — a pitted shaft will chew through the new seal and start leaking immediately.
- Look for oil weeping around the seal area. A light film is normal on older units; dripping means it's spent.
- Confirm whether the strut mount and spring are included, or if you'll need to transfer yours over.
- Match the part to your vehicle's suspension type (standard, sport, electronic/adaptive) — they're not interchangeable.
Full price guide
Ford Explorer Strut
$22 – $440 · 5,089 listings
Full price guide
Volkswagen Passat Strut
$35 – $294 · 146 listings
Common questions
Ford Explorer vs Volkswagen Passat strut FAQ
Is a used Ford Explorer strut cheaper than a Volkswagen Passat?
Volkswagen Passat has the lower median by $35 (41%). The Volkswagen Passat strut ranges from $35 to $294 across 146 listings, while the Ford Explorer ranges from $22 to $440 across 5,089 listings.
Can I use a Ford Explorer strut 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 5,089 priced Ford Explorer listings and 146 priced Volkswagen Passat listings — 5,235 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Ford Explorer $125 vs Volkswagen Passat $77. Grade B (Good): Ford Explorer $125 vs Volkswagen Passat $170. 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 strut has 12 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.
More comparisons