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.

5,444 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr ++ SAT NAV / ULEZ / DAB ++

£9,975

£201/pm (HP)

1.6L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.6 TDI S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,490

£190/pm (HP)

1.6L
82.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.4 TSI S 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,695

£239/pm (HP)

1.4L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WINTON MOTORS LTD

01727226266 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (230 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,000

£388/pm (HP)

2L
56.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£10,140

1.6L
59.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Evans Halshaw Ford Glasgow

01414060647 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - R-LINE 2.0TDI S-A 150PS DSG AUTO 5 DOOR ESTATE (EURO 6)

Reduced

£12,876

£265/pm (HP)

2L
108.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Merthyr Motor Auctions

01685702344 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£25,449

£535/pm (HP)

2L
28.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Sheffield

01143086607 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (75) - 2.0 TSI 333 R Black Edition 4Motion 5dr DSG

£52,990

2L
10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps) - DIGI

Low Mileage

£29,311

£428/pm (PCP)

2L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,498

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Seafield Motorstore / Vanstore

01316034404 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI 5dr

£5,495

1.6L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cardiff Cars Sales

02920028847 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.0 TSI S 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,499

1L
22.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG

£5,995

£147/pm (HP)

1.4L
99.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Hunt

02476936615 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,149

1.5L
35.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,499

2L
54.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Irvine Outlet & EV Centre

01292434517 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - GTI 2.0 TSI 265ps 7-Speed DSG 5 Door

Low Mileage

£37,995

2L
2.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,750

£352/pm (HP)

2L
64.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ALPINE MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01382238351 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - TSI BlueMotion Tech Match 5-Door

Reduced

£12,000

£246/pm (HP)

1.4L
37.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Runnymede Motor Company Windlesham

01344202526 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£15,995

£335/pm (HP)

2L
68.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AQS CAR SPECIALISTS

01733306260 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,549

£102/pm (HP)

1.6L
99.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Top Lane Cars Ltd

01942559253 *

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 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 (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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