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.

5,329 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

£20,998

2L
74.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Shrewsbury)

01743291338 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

£19,995

Finance available £419 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Prestige Cars Ireland

02890026873 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI 150 Active 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£18,496

1.5L
34.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 - TDI Match 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,195

1.6L
87.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TSI GTI Edition 35 DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,495

Finance available £446 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bedford Cars

01234987608 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£27,490

1.4L
8.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,990

1.5L
7.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (00) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

£33,500

Finance available £561 pm

2L
36.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

North Loop Autohaus

01527911876 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 Tsi Style 5Dr

Low Mileage

£17,136

1.5L
27.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Darlington Volkswagen

01325525219 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - Match Edition TDI 5-Door

£13,495

Finance available £254 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (73) - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£29,995

Finance available £436 pm

2L
14.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

L A MOTORS

07393778079 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - MK8 Facelift 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Match DSG + WINTER PACK + AREA VIEW 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,950

1.5L
2.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£8,945

Finance available £178 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

McNulty Motors Ltd

02887441320 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - MATCH EDITION TDI BMT 5-Door

£6,895

Finance available £132 pm

1.6L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tony Car Sales Ltd

02393871677 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 Tsi 150 Life 5Dr

£18,669

1.5L
16.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Volkswagen Teeside

01642573413 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

£20,990

2L
63.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT Edition 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,490

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
46.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,200

Finance available £111 pm

1.6L
94.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Leicester Car Centre Ltd

01164646166 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG Automatic

£18,650

1.5L
36.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (220 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Grosvenor Cars Norfolk

01493808752 *

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

View profile

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

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

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