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.

5,467 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,136

£403/pm (HP)

2L
62.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Match Bolton

01204584597 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 8 Life 1.5 TSI 130PS 6-speed Manual 5 Door Manual

Low Mileage

£15,426

1.5L
33.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£19,795

1.5L
16.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Skipton

01535280951 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 1.4 TSI S 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

1.4L
128.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AR Cars

01254947703 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - Golf R Hatchback 1 Automatic Petrol 5-Door

£20,950

£381/pm (PCP)

2L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTOVETTURA LTD

07506577555 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,996

2L
5.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£10,440

1.4L
69.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£20,450

2L
52.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Evans Halshaw Ford Coatbridge

01236804728 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI 272 GTE eHybrid 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,747

£594/pm (HP)

1.5L
2.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Active 5dr

£16,998

1L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG ULEZ

Low Mileage

£6,000

£112/pm (HP)

1.4L
24.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Left Hand Drive Place

01256679126 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.6 TDi 105 S 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,795

1.6L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Steve Car Exchange

01217287100 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Motherwell)

01698538870 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Sportline Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,499

1.6L
167.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Z a motors

01785336152 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - SE 1.6 TDI 110PS 5Spd Man 5-Door

£5,995

£112/pm (HP)

1.6L
106.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Dapper Motors

01745776770 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,599

£271/pm (PCP)

1.5L
22.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDI 105 BlueMotion Tech SE 5dr

Reduced

£3,295

£51/pm (HP)

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

JC Motors Wakefield ltd

01924978951 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£10,895

£221/pm (HP)

1.6L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Leeds Motor Company (Burley place)

01134675316 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£2,985

1.6L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Assured Cars Supermarket Ltd

01217288847 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,589

£281/pm (HP)

1.5L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

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 Present)

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.