Vehicle price comparison
Subaru Outback vs Volkswagen Passat Steering Column 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 Volkswagen Passat steering column cost more?
A used Volkswagen Passat steering column carries a median asking price of $131, which is 5% higher than the Subaru Outback at $125. Supply also plays a role: Subaru Outback has 5,240 priced listings versus 990 for Volkswagen Passat, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
The Subaru Outback average ($153) runs 22% above its median ($125), 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 Subaru Outback (2015–2025) but only 8 for the Volkswagen Passat (2015–2022), so the Subaru Outback data reflects a broader range of generations.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used steering column
- Confirm steering column adjustment options (manual tilt, power tilt/telescoping) and shifter style (column-shift automatic vs floor-shift).
- Inspect upper and lower intermediate shaft u-joints and collapsible slip joints for play, binding, or crash-collapse deployment.
- Verify inclusion and condition of the clock spring, steering angle sensor, multifunction turn signal switches, and ignition lock assembly.
- Match wiring harness connector plugs, ensuring support for cruise control, heated steering wheel, and airbag wiring harness pinouts.
Full price guide
Subaru Outback Steering Column
$45 – $544 · 5,240 listings
Full price guide
Volkswagen Passat Steering Column
$45 – $420 · 990 listings
Common questions
Subaru Outback vs Volkswagen Passat steering column FAQ
Is a used Subaru Outback steering column cheaper than a Volkswagen Passat?
Subaru Outback has the lower median by $6 (5%). The Subaru Outback steering column ranges from $45 to $544 across 5,240 listings, while the Volkswagen Passat ranges from $45 to $420 across 990 listings.
Can I use a Subaru Outback steering column 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 5,240 priced Subaru Outback listings and 990 priced Volkswagen Passat listings — 6,230 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Subaru Outback $125 vs Volkswagen Passat $131. Grade B (Good): Subaru Outback $125 vs Volkswagen Passat $146. Grade C (Fair): Subaru Outback $115 vs Volkswagen Passat $125. 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 Subaru Outback steering column has 2 trim variants and the Volkswagen Passat has 4. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
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