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.

5,129 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

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

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
132.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AYRSHIRE CAR TRADERS LTD

01292434534 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 Petrol (TSI EVO), Match Edition, Hatchback, Manual, Euro 6. 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,499

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£15,312

2L
52.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Renault Exeter

01392798455 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,980

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
66.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Traders

02037808158 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,795

1.6L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mark Ross Motors

02892441151 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - e-Golf 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,395

26.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Premier Car Supermarket Ltd

01283241542 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - TSI Life 5-Door

£15,795

1.5L
42.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

McCarthy Cars Ltd

02038895516 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr

£14,498

1L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Mac Motors

02890023774 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£18,000

1.5L
43.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stoneacre Grimsby Hewitts Business Park Nissan

01472404052 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

£18,949

Finance available £389 pm

2L
41.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01513174824 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2001 (Y) - 1.6 16V SE 5dr

£2,995

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Favorit Motor Company

01553605768 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr

Reduced

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

1.4L
142.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars of Kinson

01202001903 *

2.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Straight Outta Japan

01702904125 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
25.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Kirkcaldy Ford Centre

01592407686 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - MK7 Facelift 1.5 TSI R-Line EVO 150PS 5Dr

£13,795

1.5L
61.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vollgas Automotive Ltd

01282509482 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£18,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
38.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£12,895

Finance available £266 pm

1.5L
55.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

£13,195

Finance available £272 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Evolve Motor Company

01633741704 *

4.6/5 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

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 (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 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.