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.

5,266 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr MANUAL

£20,999

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Bridgend)

01656330795 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£20,350

2L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,849

Finance available £419 pm

2L
36.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Match Chester

01244207613 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s

Low Mileage

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mylson Ltd

01616698222 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
20.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kia (Linwood)

01414043794 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 2.0TDI (150PS) R-Line DSG | Winter Pack | Rear View Came

£25,990

Finance available £513 pm

2L
16.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£7,695

Finance available £150 pm

1.6L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

POMPEY CAR SALES LIMITED

02392003012 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£18,599

Finance available £385 pm

1.5L
15.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Reduced

£16,000

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
19.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Auto 5dr

£8,494

Finance available £167 pm

54.6K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

BVG Automotive

01618048253 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (230 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

J G PRESTIGE CARS LTD

01903251714 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
99.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sheffield Car Centre Ltd

01144786513 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG Auto

£18,690

2L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Pure Cars

01924667281 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 3dr

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

2L
146.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JS Motors

07804653822 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Inverness Citroen / Peugeot / Vanstore

01463213058 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,499

Finance available £101 pm

2L
119.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,950

Finance available £267 pm

1.6L
51.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JRS Commercials & Cars

02887441404 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£15,749

Finance available £323 pm

2L
43.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
88.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorology

01515417934 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 1.6 TDi 105 SE 5dr

£499

1.6L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cheap Cars and Vans

02039475176 *

0/5 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

lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lHUz0lVPyUY/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.