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.

5,138 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,600

Finance available £444 pm

1.5L
20.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

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

Low Mileage

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bedford Specialist Cars

01234987621 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 2.0 TSI GTI Edition 35 Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (235 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

2L
69.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FS Performance Ltd

01582280332 *

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

£8,994

Finance available £179 pm

1.4L
98.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£17,498

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,200

Finance available £344 pm

1.5L
26.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4MOTION Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,494

Finance available £234 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,485

Finance available £400 pm

1.5L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SERE Lisburn

02892791416 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fairview Autos

01689669464 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style Edition 5-Door

£17,697

Finance available £358 pm

1.5L
35.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Barnsley

01226448498 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

2L
76.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kevin Car Sales & HCW Ltd

01708205498 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 Tsi Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 130 Ps

Reduced

£17,999

1.5L
23.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Pentagon Peugeot & Vauxhall (Burton)

01283241541 *

0/5 Stars

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

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
70.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Halesowen Trade Centre Ltd

01217288685 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 - 3.2 V6 R32 4MOTION 3dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

3.2L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Prestige Motors NI

02890026900 *

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

Reduced

£33,650

1.4L
4.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Style 5dr

Reduced

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
67.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£11,490

28.0K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

1.4L
80.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

BCW CARS SALES LTD OF ACKWORTH

01977808775 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

£16,999

Finance available £350 pm

2L
39.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE [Nav] 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£15,537

1.5L
29.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Peugeot Launceston

01566701767 *

4.7/5 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 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 (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 (2016 to 2020)

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
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

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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