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.

5,106 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.0 TSI Life 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,497

Finance available £375 pm

1L
8.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

CarSupermarket.com Hessle

01482947558 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£21,698

1.5L
18.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 Golf GTi TSi Semi-Auto 5dr

Reduced

£27,000

2L
27.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,995

1.4L
70.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GT 88 LTD

01616749828 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style DSG 5-Door

£17,797

Finance available £360 pm

1.4L
38.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,498

1.4L
48.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (West Calder)

01506533740 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

2L
59.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Tamebridge Cars Ltd

01642049641 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - R DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,400

2L
68.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Imperial Auto Trade LTD

02037636638 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,998

1L
19.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Motherwell)

01698538870 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 3dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

£9,720

2L
90.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Gatwick Motor World

01444222210 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - GT TSI EVO 5-Door

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
60.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 1.4 TSI GT Sport Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual (174 g/km, 168 bhp)

Low Mileage

£3,990

1.4L
86.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Monarch Car Sales

01905673241 *

Volkswagen Golf1996 (N) - 2.0 GTI Colour Concept 5dr

Reduced

£11,000

2L
83.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Pinnacle Cars Ltd

01143086613 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£8,899

Finance available £176 pm

1.5L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
47.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 Life TSi 115PS Estate 5-Door

£23,241

1.5L
7.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Scunthorpe

01724708058 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£7,490

Finance available £145 pm

1.4L
67.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Motor Plug Teesside Ltd

01642573700 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr

£10,250

2L
91.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60)

£7,995

2L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

AG Classics

02039112044 *

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 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 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.