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.

5,265 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - R 2.0 TSI 380BHP White Only 85000 Miles 3 Door Show Car MK7

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Circuit Automotive Ltd

01252415056 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Life DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,990

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMITED

02039537447 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£17,500

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Keeble (Bramford) Ltd

01473354329 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
74.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

VHM Auto LTD

01216618540 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.4 GTE DSG 5d 242 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.4L
21.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Victoria Motors

01225437258 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr

£12,302

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Bolton Cupra

01204584566 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£18,998

2L
44.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenock Used Car Centre

01475602098 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT R-Line Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

1.4L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Direct Peterborough Limited

01733971397 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TSI R Estate 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 2.0 TSI R 4Motion Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

2L
83.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

j&mspecialistcars.co.uk

01916070220 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Style Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fitzroy Motor Co

01425203840 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£27,695

5.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TSI R 3dr

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
55.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MW Performance

01244569177 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
106.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SMCARS (LTD)

02830447097 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

£18,960

1.5L
45.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Lincoln

01522467379 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,495

Finance available £565 pm

2L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Drift Bridge Volkswagen Epsom

01372238273 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.0 TSI Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

1L
37.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SHEFFIELD DIRECT MOTORS

01143218700 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,500

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
72.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr

£9,995

2L
81.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ainsdale Car Centre

01704337328 *

4.8/5 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 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 (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.