The TDI badge stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection, and is the badge fitted to turbodiesel versions of the golf. These engines are well known for their dependability as well as producing a great balance between performance and fuel efficiency.

What is the most popular Golf?

The Golf Match is the most popular version of the Golf. It's a mid-to-high specification version of the Mk7 golf and came equipped with adaptive cruise control, touchscreen sat nav and air con as standard. Of the Mk8, the Life is the most readily available on the used market. Though it's the entry-level model, it still comes with alloy wheels, front/rear parking sensors, sat nav and climate control.

Is the Volkswagen Golf good for long-distance driving?

Yes, the Golf is a very comfortable motorway cruiser. The interior is also spacious enough to accommodate passengers on a longer trip.

Is the Golf a good family car?

Yes. Volkswagen has always designed the Golf to be a family car. For a long time now, the Golf has only been available in a five-door layout, and it's very straightforward to fit an ISOFIX child seat in the back. Even performance versions such as the GTI and R retain excellent practicality but add a serious dose of performance.

Does the Volkswagen Golf come as a hybrid or electric version?

Yes, you can buy the Golf as an e-Golf, which is a fully electric car. This has lots of advantages, such as much lower running costs. There is also a plug-in hybrid version that allows for up to 42 miles of electric driving before switching to petrol/electric hybrid power to allow you to continue your journey.

Is there a four-wheel drive version of the Golf?

Yes, the very popular Golf R hot hatchback (and estate) comes with four-wheel drive as standard. The other option is the relatively rare Alltrack, which is an estate model.

5,650 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£12,450

£240/pm (HP)

2L
76.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Autoever Limited

01616944283 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) Manual

Low Mileage

£14,995

1.5L
28.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

M J Warner

01763291816 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - TSI

Low Mileage

£13,995

1.4L
49.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£28,990

£456/pm (PCP)

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG

£32,998

2L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,900

£395/pm (PCP)

2L
12.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG

£17,699

1.5L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Battersea Volkswagen

02037636641 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£14,950

£293/pm (HP)

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

MCT CARS LTD

02890023785 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£11,295

£216/pm (HP)

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

R Line Motors

01618042359 *

Volkswagen Golf2001 (Y) - 2.8 V6 VR6 4MOTION 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

2.8L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

M AND R SALES LIMITED

01536851839 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match 3dr

£5,975

£104/pm (HP)

1.6L
108.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MULBERRY MOTOR COMPANY

01780431444 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 - 1.4 S 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

£68/pm (HP)

1.4L
68.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 2.0 TDi 140 BlueMotion Tech GT 5dr [Leather]

Reduced

£3,795

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars and Commercials

02890022225 *

Volkswagen Golf1986 (X) - GTI Mk1 1.6 5spd 3-Door

Low Mileage

£31,995

1.6L
92.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

4 Star Classics

01420551490 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 Tsi 245 Gti Performance 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£19,999

£390/pm (HP)

2L
45.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lookers CAR HUB Middlesbrough

01642549665 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI BLUE MOTION TECH LOW MILEAGE 45K MANUAL DIESEL 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,495

£241/pm (HP)

1.6L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Birchington Auto Repairs Ltd

01843261703 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 1.6 FSI Match 5dr

Reduced

£2,399

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Safe Cars

01234861497 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - GOLF 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£18,696

1.4L
43.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Milton Keynes

01908926622 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI R-Line Edition 5dr

£14,500

£283/pm (HP)

2L
80.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT R-Line Edition Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro

Reduced

£12,295

1.4L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Why buy a used Volkswagen Golf?

If you're in the market for a practical, comfortable and dependable car with the added benefit of timeless style and design, then a used Volkswagen Golf is a great choice. The Golf is also available with petrol, diesel, hybrid and even full electric engines.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

Pros

Efficient engines
Impressively refined
High-quality interior

Cons

Rivals are more involving to drive
Digitalised interior is a bit fiddly
Plain styling

Read our Volkswagen Golf review

Volkswagen Golf video review

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Different generations of used Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf has been on the roads since 1974, with the UK being one of its best markets. Over the course of eight generations, Volkswagen has kept the Golf stylish and relevant. The newest models remain highly efficient and thoroughly enjoyable to drive.

Eighth Generation (2020 to 2020)

The most recent generation has been completely redesigned inside and out. The style is more striking, with interior features similar to those of the all-electric ID.4. Enhanced safety systems have also been added for a more protected drive.

VW released all-electric models and a plug-in hybrid for increased efficiency, further adding to the overall appeal of the latest generation Golf.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 34 - 941
Acceleration:: 4.6 - 10.7 seconds
Boot space:: 273 - 611 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.5 TSI 204 Style eHybrid 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.0 TSI Life 5dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Seventh Generation (2013 to 2020)

The MQB platform created a Golf that was 100 kg lighter than earlier models, meaning better performance, handling and fuel efficiency. Safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking was added. As with previous generations, VW continued working on ways to make the Golf more efficient, with improvements year over year.

In 2013, the Golf R hit the scene and brought class-leading hot hatch performance. Such was the popularity of the Mk7 Golf, over six million were built and sold worldwide.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Full Electric / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 2
MPG:: 34 - 166
Acceleration:: 4.6 - 12.9 seconds
Boot space:: 272 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto
Cheapest
1.2 TSI S 3dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI 310 R 3dr 4MOTION DSG

Sixth Generation (2009 to 2016)

It didn't take long before drivers realised how amazing this generation was, with the 2009 model winning the World Car of the Year award. Despite its sharp style, this generation didn't go on many years before another design took over, making them even more desirable on the used market.

Most notably, this generation receives a lot of praise for its safety and the high-tech features included.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1.2 - 2
MPG:: 33 - 74
Acceleration:: 5.5 - 13.9 seconds
Boot space:: 250 - 505 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.2 TSI S 2dr
Cheapest
1.4 S 3dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI R 4MOTION 5dr DSG

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.