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.

5,350 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG

£12,950

Finance available £267 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

BC AUTOSALES

02877440250 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£21,750

Finance available £426 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

Volkswagen Golf(14) - 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech S DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,950

Finance available £155 pm

49.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

HKW Car Sales Ltd

01616967899 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 3dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,449

Finance available £466 pm

2L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Gatwick Motor World

01444222210 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

£8,990

70.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 5 DOOR HATCHBACK

£5,750

Finance available £106 pm

1.4L
65.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

A7 Cars Ltd

01164787049 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - MK8 Hatchback 5Dr 1.0 eTSI 110ps Life EVO DSG Automatic

£18,400

1L
27.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£18,690

2L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Pure Cars

01924667281 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0TDI (115ps) Life Manual 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,498

2L
2.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Sinclair Volkswagen (Bridgend)

01656330795 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen GolfR32 MK4 BLUE 3.2 V6 PETROL 5 DOOR 6 SPEED MANUAL

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3.2L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOMANIA MOTORS GROUP LTD

01182058871 *

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

Reduced

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

2L
80.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

St Clements Cars

01553605040 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - SE NAVIGATION TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

J B Motors

01483917289 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,884

1.5L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

1.6L
60.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDi 140 BlueMotion Tech GT 5dr [Leather]

Low Mileage

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps) * HU

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
41.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MJM Car Sales

01833600271 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,280

Finance available £457 pm

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 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

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 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 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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