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.

5,248 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Reduced

£23,450

Finance available £461 pm

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 1.6 TDi S 5dr

£1,200

1.6L
198.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CARS4YOU

01274089739 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly Ballymena Motorstore

02825447459 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 Tdi 200 Gtd 5Dr Dsg

£22,999

2L
52.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Usedirect Portadown

02838298700 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
47.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

41.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Gatwick Motor World

01444222210 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,099

Finance available £327 pm

1L
26.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

02039092092 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,998

1.5L
27.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Stoke on Trent)

01782432704 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - R MK8 2.0 TSI 4Motion 320PS DSG 5 Dr

Low Mileage

£33,995

2L
12.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

Volkswagen Golf2003 (53) - 1.9 TDI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,795

1.9L
129.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AB Auto Traders Limited

01414041853 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.0 TSI Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,400

Finance available £337 pm

1L
20.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Golf2006 (56) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£699

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.4L
26.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

LS Autos

01306774216 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,498

2L
21.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Wigan)

01942597310 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,490

1.6L
38.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TSI 310 R 3dr 4MOTION

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
45.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers Cumbria

01228273201 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,490

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
18.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - 1.6 FSI S 5dr

Reduced

£1,495

1.6L
148.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EZAT CAR SALES

01908953485 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 Golf GTD TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£12,295

Finance available £252 pm

2L
100.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTyne

01916076035 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,750

2L
107.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Lounge

01616944760 *

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 (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

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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