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.

5,240 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£19,298

1.5L
37.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Huddersfield)

01484506234 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£20,900

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Loughborough

01509274556 *

Volkswagen Golf1999 (T) - 2.3 V5 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,995

2.3L
77.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mercia Cars

01630410587 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,838

1.5L
38.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Marshall BYD Maidstone

01622231659 *

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

Reduced

£11,295

Finance available £230 pm

1.6L
41.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
95.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Bournville Car Sales

01633741157 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 - 1.9 TDI Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.9L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

LUXOR MOTOR COMPANY

01202052316 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 - 2.0 GT TDI 170bhp 2-Door

Low Mileage

£2,000

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Sales Cardiff Ltd

02922679527 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG

£10,795

Finance available £219 pm

1.4L
88.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Roadside Garages

02870449515 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
82.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JDC Vehicle sales

01529400406 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Launch Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£11,499

Finance available £235 pm

2L
71.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nova Motor Group

01915005812 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr Manual

£14,395

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Aberdeen

01224451039 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - SE NAVIGATION TSI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,450

Finance available £245 pm

1.4L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Quirks Car Company

01268590066 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - SE TDI DSG DPF 5-Door

Low Mileage

£3,000

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Glenn Palmer Cars

01603937367 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Style Edition 5dr

£19,795

Finance available £386 pm

1.5L
35.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Todds of Campsie

02871220972 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.6 TDi 105 S 5dr New MOT included

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.6L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamilton Motors

01562541393 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - TDI BlueMotion Tech Match 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,458

Finance available £234 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Imperial Motor Company Limited

01732443737 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI R 5-Door

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
68.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Dow Storey

01919333928 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,895

Finance available £176 pm

1.6L
85.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vehicle Vault

01325522660 *

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 (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 3dr 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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