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.

5,211 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

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 Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.4L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hounslow Cars Ltd

02039537374 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

Reduced

£3,499

1.6L
144.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Audi Technik Centre

01412601247 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 2.0 TDi 170 GTD 5dr DSG [Leather]

Reduced

£7,290

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Diamond Motor House Ltd

01134676305 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£21,498

1.5L
15.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) Active EVO Manual

Low Mileage

£18,444

1.5L
24.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Newport)

01633747928 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (63) - 1.4L TSI-AUTOMATIC-ULEZ/CAZ PASS-FREE 18MONTHS GOLD WARRANTY & 12MONTHS AA

Low Mileage

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

1.4L
49.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carolina Motors UK

01733666958 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI R 3dr DSG

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

S & S Car Sales

01592407421 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr MANUAL

Reduced

£15,999

Finance available £273 pm

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Warehouse Swansea

01792001637 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 Etsi Mhev R Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid Dsg Euro 6 s/s 150 Ps

Low Mileage

£22,499

1.5L
23.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Alnwick

01665660970 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,395

Finance available £232 pm

1.4L
69.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JMR MOTOR GROUP LTD

02039104770 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 5dr DSG

£11,331

1.4L
71.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Coulsdon

02038895530 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£17,470

2L
64.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 35.8kWh e-Golf 5-Door

Reduced

£10,650

Finance available £216 pm

45.2K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Key Auto Trade

01233223707 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

WESTERHOPE MOTOR GROUP LIMITED

01916911121 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£14,998

2L
68.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Stirling)

01786232264 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TSI GTI (Leather) Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,789

2L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps

Reduced

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.4L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Leeds Motor Company (Commercial Road)

01134676267 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 - S 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,995

1.4L
51.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Reduced

£30,950

Finance available £615 pm

2L
19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

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 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 (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.