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.

5,292 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

£25,098

1.5L
7.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Greenock

01475601914 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£32,357

2L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£12,499

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Les Rayner Foxhunters Motor Co

01916077230 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - Golf R DSG 5-Door

£14,900

Finance available £311 pm

2L
84.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

RGS CARS LIMITED

01403331258 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 3-Door

£4,774

Finance available £84 pm

2L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sevenoaks Auto Village

01892572354 *

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

£16,498

1.5L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Armadale Citroen / Vanstore

01501640622 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.4L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BM Cars London Ltd

02039537388 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,650

1.5L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Peoples Ford Edinburgh

01312022572 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.0 eTSI MHEV Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

1L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sagitta Automotive

01332419209 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,298

1.5L
18.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.0 TSI Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1L
66.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FIDA MOTORS LIMITED

01279215830 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£15,080

2L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,695

Finance available £150 pm

1.6L
105.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Market Yorkshire

01924668146 *

1.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,998

1.5L
9.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall/Jeep/Alfa Romeo (Linwood)

01414736412 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£9,350

Finance available £187 pm

1.6L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Active 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,977

1.5L
15.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Scunthorpe

01724708058 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£21,298

2L
16.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Burton)

01283246286 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - Hatch Style 1.5 TSI eHybrid 204ps 6-Speed DSG 5 Door Auto

£29,530

1.5L
5.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
102.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

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

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 Present)

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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year