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.

5,183 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - GT TSI 2-Door

£3,995

1.4L
122.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

KENT COUNTY MOTORS LIMITED

01622234342 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Derby Trade Cars

01332315433 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hazelton Motors

02890023654 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,690

2L
129.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 - GERMAN REG+50k Miles +LHD LEFT HAND DRIVE+VW VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS+MOT 04/26 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,995

1.6L
50.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

UK LEFT HAND DRIVE

01922665550 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.6L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SM Motors NI

02827440451 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,999

1.4L
63.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Palmers Alfa Romeo Hemel Hempstead

01442506214 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£5,995

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GF Cars

02890023191 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£25,595

Finance available £505 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Panacea Motors Ltd

01616727308 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,100

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Aylesbury Ford

01296325843 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£20,490

1.5L
21.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Nuneaton

02476930658 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - S TSI 5-Door

£3,999

1.2L
133.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bexhill Motors Eastbourne

01323403942 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (64) - 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech S DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,250

Finance available £162 pm

1.2L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

HKW Car Sales Ltd

01616967899 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Match DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,350

1.6L
100.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HKW Car Sales Ltd

01616967899 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - TSI GTI Clubsport 5-Door

Reduced

£42,995

Finance available £863 pm

2L
2.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Riviera Automotive Ltd

01274505967 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Trade N Save Centre

01452227275 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Active 5dr

£15,999

Finance available £271 pm

1.5L
37.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

N K Motors Derby

01332414576 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (59) - 1.4 TSI S 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£5,695

1.4L
52.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Gleam Clean

01903255198 *

Volkswagen Golf1990 (H) - 1.8 GL 5dr [4+E]

Low Mileage

£8,000

1.8L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sandygate Cars Ltd

01282509458 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£21,298

1.5L
11.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

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

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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