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.

5,200 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

£3,999

1.6L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Geneva Motors Harlow

01279212108 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£19,000

Finance available £370 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Shop

01217288893 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.6 Tdi Bluemotion Tech S Hatchback 5-Door

Reduced

£4,975

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01215165519 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (04) - Golf Match Tsi 3-Door

Low Mileage

£4,495

1.4L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Woodville Car Sales

01414049407 *

0/5 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 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£16,149

Finance available £332 pm

1.5L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Manchester

01614139868 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Silver 2dr Cabriolet

Low Mileage

£4,295

1.6L
71.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

RG Motors Ltd

01522467376 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£22,450

Finance available £441 pm

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 99kW e-Golf 35kWh , PCO 5-Door

Reduced

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

59.0K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

London West Cars Ltd

02037637048 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,000

1.6L
41.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Premier Motor Collection

01143089153 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

1L
30.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TJ Hamilton & Co

02886273062 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion 3dr

Low Mileage

£2,950

1.6L
107.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hadnall Motors

01743292127 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£31,995

Finance available £637 pm

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

L A MOTORS

07393778079 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech S DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,440

1.4L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Blue Sky Motors Ltd

02038731418 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - 1.6 FSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,395

1.6L
107.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

A1 Car Shop Ltd

01462412937 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£16,350

Finance available £343 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Drayton Motors Kia Scunthorpe

01724708028 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 Twist 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,495

1.4L
61.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mcmullin Motors

01752973034 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 - 2.0 TDI SE Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 4 (140 ps)

£2,290

2L
185.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Your Motoring Limited

01487800643 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

1.4L
54.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Silverstone Cars Limited

01708206414 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,989

Finance available £134 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

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 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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