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.

5,121 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) Touchscree

£14,950

Finance available £286 pm

1.5L
64.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£10,350

Finance available £209 pm

2L
95.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Bournville Car Sales

01633741157 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£21,798

1.5L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Bolton)

01204324180 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

1.4L
94.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MATCH TSI EVO 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,500

Finance available £289 pm

1.5L
32.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dales Renault Summercourt

01872301822 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - TSI Style 5-Door

£13,995

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

McCarthy Cars Ltd

02038895516 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Cabriolet Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£8,250

Finance available £162 pm

1.6L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Brooke MOT Centre Ltd

01508502072 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£21,349

1.5L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Golf2007 (57) - 1.6 MATCH FSI 5-Door

£2,995

1.6L
159.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£17,986

Finance available £387 pm

2L
60.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,698

1.5L
4.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Wishaw)

01698537718 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£22,998

1.5L
24.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,475

1.6L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Section Ltd

01706394506 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
53.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cottage Cars

02038731429 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (60) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 3dr

Reduced

£3,375

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Barnyard Trade Cars Limited

01788227357 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - 3.2 R32 5DR Manual PX SWAP PART EXCHANGE EX

Low Mileage

£6,000

3.2L
136.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nationwide Car Sales

01925907761 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MOTOR TREND LTD

01494296076 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

Reduced

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
35.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Donnelly Mallusk Motorstore

02895908087 *

Volkswagen Golf1983 - Campaign 3-Door

£18,000

1.8L
59.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Classic Car Auctions

01926357467 *

3.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

£20,899

Finance available £431 pm

2L
54.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch

01792001651 *

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 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 (2016 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 / 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

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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