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.

5,106 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£30,795

2L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Nottingham South

01156977747 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

C&S MOTORS LIMITED

01616721743 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG SEMI-AUTO

Low Mileage

£22,499

1.5L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Ballymena

02890022273 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
16.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Bathgate

01506353072 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,200

Finance available £275 pm

1.5L
19.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tobin Motors

01227203699 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£19,271

1.5L
21.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Honda Clitheroe

01200409818 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (74) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

1.5L
1.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Rodden Road Cars

01373481367 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps) - HEATED S

£31,893

Finance available £648 pm

2L
19.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£16,295

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,450

Finance available £379 pm

2L
19.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

HILLVIEW MOTORS Ltd

02890023629 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,161

Finance available £465 pm

1.5L
13.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI Match 5-Door

£21,997

Finance available £450 pm

1.5L
4.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,000

1.5L
21.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Stourbridge Motors

01384319482 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,495

2L
62.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rainham Motors LTD

01708205565 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

S&O AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01143089077 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£10,750

1.6L
69.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Braintree Van Sales

01376317546 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,699

Finance available £322 pm

1.5L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Performance Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6

Low Mileage

£11,499

2L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£8,450

2L
87.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 1.6 FSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,791

1.6L
111.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Top1Cars LTD

01245678443 *

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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