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.

5,237 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£16,698

2L
41.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Shiremoor Motorstore / MG / BYD / Vanstore

01913236408 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£10,175

Finance available £209 pm

1.5L
76.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£11,599

Finance available £222 pm

1.6L
68.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Aylesbury

01296320383 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,998

1.5L
21.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Sighthill MS / Fiat / Abarth / BYD

01313702482 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.4 GTE DSG 5d 242 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.4L
21.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Victoria Motors

01225437258 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - Hatch GTE 1.5 TSI 272ps 6-Speed DSG 5 Door Auto

Low Mileage

£34,248

1.5L
719.0
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

£19,499

Finance available £388 pm

2L
60.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Aylesbury

01296320383 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr

£4,925

Finance available £88 pm

1.6L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
68.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£16,700

2L
64.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark MINI Aberdeen

01224453648 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Greenock

01475601914 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£25,949

Finance available £546 pm

2L
5.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (68) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£20,400

Finance available £399 pm

2L
63.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Seraph Cars

01923587567 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 5dr

Reduced

£5,995

1.6L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mark Ross Motors

02892441151 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£18,498

1.5L
24.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Swansea

01414839956 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr

£11,449

Finance available £233 pm

1.6L
79.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Donnelly Automotive

02890023546 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 3dr

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

1.4L
133.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (60) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

1.4L
112.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

White Rose Cars

01134676154 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps

Low Mileage

£6,799

Finance available £130 pm

1.4L
69.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AA Car Sales Ltd

01243211485 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£14,450

1.4L
16.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

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 3dr DSG

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

* 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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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