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.

5,443 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£7,495

2L
129.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Leeds Auto Sales

01134680589 *

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr DSG

Reduced

£3,295

£105/pm (HP)

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AutowerxLtd

01933839536 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,799

£293/pm (PCP)

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AB Car Sales (South West) Ltd

01822661594 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,999

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Prestige Motoring Group

01215160648 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps) - REVERSE

Low Mileage

£24,490

£504/pm (CS)

2L
28.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Portsmouth

01329551291 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,199

£362/pm (HP)

2L
58.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - GOLF 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£18,021

1.5L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Scunthorpe

01724708058 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) Front / Rea

Low Mileage

£16,250

£240/pm (PCP)

1.5L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,790

1.4L
3.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£20,395

£315/pm (PCP)

2L
30.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly M1 Motorstore (Dungannon)

02887448025 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,000

£413/pm (PCP)

2L
13.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxtons

01245202306 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,995

£147/pm (HP)

2L
84.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Atlantic Motors

01736806430 *

Volkswagen Golf1993 - GTi Cabriolet Sportline Edition 2-Door

Low Mileage

£11,000

1.8L
128.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Historics Classic and Sportscar Auctions Ltd

01753313549 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,500

£199/pm (HP)

1.5L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jonathan Dawson Car Sales Ltd

01134676315 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£18,990

£324/pm (PCP)

2L
49.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

ALPHA MOTORS (WIGAN) LIMITED

01942365165 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,348

£301/pm (HP)

1.4L
56.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

SR Motors

01793268063 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Active 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,249

£334/pm (PCP)

1L
11.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Norwich

01332419206 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,349

£445/pm (HP)

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion 5dr

£3,200

1.6L
143.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oxford Wheels LTD

01993463606 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr

£10,495

£199/pm (HP)

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamworthy MOT Centre

01202051972 *

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 2016)

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 (2016 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 / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 44 - 57
Acceleration:: 6.3 - 10.8 seconds
Boot space:: 380 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Fastest
2.0 TSI GTI Moda 5dr 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.