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.

5,181 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£17,498

1.5L
42.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Stirling)

01786232264 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,298

1.5L
11.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245

£19,989

1.4L
45.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (62) - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr

£3,999

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fairfield Car Centre

01615196713 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£4,875

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD (Nav) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

2L
97.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cambridgeshire Motor House LTD

01733666971 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - R 2.0 TSI 380BHP White Only 85000 Miles 3 Door Show Car MK7

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Circuit Automotive Ltd

01252415056 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£28,490

Finance available £565 pm

2L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MOTOR TREND LTD

01494296076 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Style Edition 5dr

£19,498

1.5L
34.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£15,390

Finance available £322 pm

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Variety Cars

01869221716 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

Reduced

£20,998

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG

£8,990

2L
99.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Town Autos

01234987579 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
70.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Cabriolet Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£9,390

Finance available £187 pm

2L
50.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

AMG MOTOR VEHICLES LTD

01733942779 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 SE [Nav] 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
32.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EN AUTOMOTIVE

01384881208 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£4,850

1.6L
111.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.2 TSI 105 S 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,200

1.2L
58.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Cleland Car Sales

01698539229 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Reduced

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

ILEX CAR SALES LTD

02877440249 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (64) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£6,895

Finance available £132 pm

1.4L
87.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GGS Motors Ltd

02382148539 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,995

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Poolstock Car Sales Limited

01942597424 *

4.4/5 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

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 (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.