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.

5,281 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

2L
70.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s)

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.6L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Grampian Cars

01261450003 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,216

1.5L
9.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps) - LED - SAT N

£26,332

Finance available £532 pm

2L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI GT Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,249

Finance available £330 pm

2L
40.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch

01182078522 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 Petrol (TSI), Automatic (DSG), EVO, GPF, R-Line, Hatchback, 5 Door, Man

£13,499

1.5L
87.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TDI Life DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,950

Finance available £389 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carnet Car Sales

02828440678 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI 150 Black Edition 5dr

Reduced

£27,490

1.5L
5.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (57) - AUTOMATIC VW GOLF 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,950

Finance available £111 pm

1.4L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

A7 Cars Ltd

01164787049 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG [Nav]

Low Mileage

£11,980

Finance available £245 pm

2L
44.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Northwest Cars And Commercials Ltd

01614139834 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

1.6L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hynes Motors

02890023625 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

3 Bridge Car Sales

02871221749 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WMA VEHICLE HIRE AND SALES LIMITED

01913002068 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG [Nav]

Low Mileage

£14,599

Finance available £304 pm

2L
54.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - Volkswagen Diesel Estate 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,085

2L
1.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Bridgwater

01278555830 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI R-Line Edition 5dr DSG

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,300

Finance available £341 pm

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£27,980

Finance available £530 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 life 5dr

Reduced

£23,330

1.5L
3.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Golf2001 (Y) - SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,795

1.6L
148.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bourne Valley Autos

01264311668 *

3.3/5 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

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 (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

* 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

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