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.

5,304 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,990

1.5L
47.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Reduced

£21,795

2L
33.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI R 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BCPerformance

01453705159 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£23,242

1.5L
1.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
114.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

£4,300

1.6L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.4L
108.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf(63) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,489

Finance available £145 pm

93.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Auto Investments UK Ltd

01162165682 *

Volkswagen Golf2003 - GTI T 3-Door

Low Mileage

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.8L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG [Performance Pack]

£12,988

Finance available £268 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BJH Motors & Sons (Rainbow Hill)

01905676573 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

£20,475

Finance available £400 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Sandwell Car Sales

01215160845 *

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

£32,298

2L
32.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,326

1.5L
14.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Newbury

01635959570 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Angmering Car Sales

01903924366 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI Style Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£16,299

2L
39.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£30,995

Finance available £616 pm

2L
24.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£19,298

1.4L
44.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Stafford Motorstore / Vanstore / Electric Innovation Centre

01785550896 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£16,920

1L
23.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,300

Finance available £376 pm

2L
48.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

GS Car Centre Ltd

01772348161 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£21,698

1.5L
15.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 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 (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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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