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.

5,333 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£26,998

2L
7.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Hillington Renault / Dacia / Alpine / Vanstore

01414068774 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

£15,948

Finance available £334 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Revitupukcom

01244268811 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match Edition 5dr

£11,998

1.6L
72.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Stirling)

01786232264 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 8 Life 1.5 TSI 150PS 6-speed Manual 5 Door Manual

Low Mileage

£16,000

1.5L
33.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - MK7 Facelift 1.5 TSI R-Line EVO 150PS DSG 5D 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,995

1.5L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark Volkswagen Aberdeen

01224454474 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps) Manual

Low Mileage

£11,399

1.4L
48.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sherwoods Town Centre Citroen, Fiat & Abarth

01918237779 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - 3.2 R32 5DR Manual PX SWAP PART EXCHANGE EX

Low Mileage

£6,000

Finance available £112 pm

3.2L
136.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nationwide Car Sales

01925907761 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (58) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,994

Finance available £89 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

TMB Van Sales

01618042445 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,762

Finance available £331 pm

1.5L
15.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£18,478

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Nissan Widnes

01515417897 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 272 GTE eHybrid 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£32,797

1.5L
2.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Milton Keynes

01908926622 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,681

Finance available £127 pm

1.2L
83.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£17,973

1.5L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - R-LINE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,450

Finance available £301 pm

2L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wynford Williams Car Sales

01970600150 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
66.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Roy Hanna Motors

02894338774 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£20,498

2L
20.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat (Paisley)

01414040020 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr

Reduced

£12,850

Finance available £265 pm

1.6L
44.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Armstrong Massey Driffield

01377310214 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£15,944

1.5L
47.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,989

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
133.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

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 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 (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