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.

5,542 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£17,000

1.5L
20.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Harrogate

01423396103 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,195

£256/pm (HP)

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 Tsi Evo 150 Gt 5Dr

Low Mileage

£13,729

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Volkswagen Blackburn

01254457286 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Reduced

£24,998

1.5L
4.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£28,475

£377/pm (PCP)

2L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01618049214 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,795

£197/pm (HP)

1.4L
20.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038056855 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,990

£383/pm (PCP)

2L
4.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

£18,695

£316/pm (PCP)

1.5L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

£4,195

2L
139.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motors2u

01422411385 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match Edition 5dr

£12,049

£239/pm (HP)

1L
55.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,995

£246/pm (HP)

1.4L
26.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Campbells of Deal Ltd

01304801637 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£23,799

£382/pm (PCP)

2L
22.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£19,190

2L
35.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Audi Five Oaks

01403331814 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£4,995

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Purple Sky Trading

01344596897 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) - PARKING SE

Low Mileage

£17,450

1.5L
12.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hilton Garage Ltd

01332414842 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£16,395

£277/pm (PCP)

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Top Gear Motors

02881440371 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,795

£311/pm (HP)

2L
74.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,998

1.5L
27.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Glasgow)

01414736424 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£18,199

£306/pm (PCP)

1.5L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

£63/pm (HP)

1.4L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cheltenham Spa Motors Ltd

01452227274 *

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 3dr 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.