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.

5,295 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 5 5dr

£1,495

2L
153.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

M & A Automotive Ltd

01506376848 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style 5dr DSG

£18,989

Finance available £390 pm

1.4L
25.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,695

Finance available £194 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Poolstock Car Sales Limited

01942597424 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
8.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£11,999

1.5L
61.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion 320 bhp

£28,495

Finance available £565 pm

2L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carjoy UK Limited

01224019779 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.4 Petrol (TSI), BlueMotion Tech, SE Edition, Nav, Hatchback, 5 Door, Manu

£8,999

1.4L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,998

1.5L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

£17,895

Finance available £393 pm

2L
73.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

DTM Car Sales

01752968348 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2003 (52) - 2.3 VR5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,950

Finance available £66 pm

2.3L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tudor Prestige Ltd

01733797069 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr [Nav]

£8,250

Finance available £152 pm

1.6L
94.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Bridgend Ford

01656336637 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,097

Finance available £345 pm

2L
30.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Barnsley

01226448498 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TDI Match Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£27,444

Finance available £520 pm

2L
25.0
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£20,998

1.5L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (East Kilbride)

01355203634 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 210HP ADIDAS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
66.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Halliday Automotive

02820440848 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CJS Car Sales ltd

01229440568 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£19,750

Finance available £385 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Clive Hamilton Motors

02890023155 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

1.6L
74.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Magor Motor Company

01633741705 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 2.0 GTI 5d 210 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Taylor Motor Group (Farndon Road)

01636554121 *

0/5 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 Present)

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.