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.

5,108 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2011 (60) - 1.2 TSI 85 S 5dr

£3,250

1.2L
118.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GB Motor Company

01162165597 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,500

1.4L
99.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Retail Car Ltd

01902916095 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.4 TSI SE TSI DSG ULEZ 5-Door

£6,990

1.4L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Left Hand Drive Place

01256679126 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£6,495

1.6L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kernow Kars Ltd

01326330754 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (150ps) Style EVO + 18' DALLAS + KEYLESS + REAR

Low Mileage

£19,442

1.5L
20.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr DSG

£6,999

1.6L
132.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AYRSHIRE CAR TRADERS LTD

01292434534 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
97.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Supreme Motors NI

02882449414 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG [Nav]

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

2L
68.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Motors

02881440371 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

£16,995

Finance available £294 pm

1.5L
41.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Penrith)

01768800651 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£37,498

2L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr

Reduced

£5,399

1.6L
98.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.4 TSI 150 GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£10,994

1.4L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Cars 4 U

02038731380 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - GTI MK8.5 Facelift 2.0 TSI (265ps) DSG + CLICK AND COLLECT Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£33,999

2L
4.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,495

Finance available £383 pm

1.4L
35.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R 300 5-Door

£12,499

Finance available £271 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

South Yorkshire Motors Ltd

01977802191 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TDi 140 BlueMotion Tech Match 5dr

£1,995

2L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

B.C.S

01639501159 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£9,990

1.6L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Shop 365 LTD

01274028208 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,750

1.4L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.6L
30.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Lomond Auto Centre

01389311235 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

1.6L
113.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

EASICARS ENHANCED

02039577421 *

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 (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

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