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.

5,248 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2005 (05) - 1.6 FSI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,480

1.6L
98.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vision Motors Direct - Haydock

01942367552 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£24,029

1.5L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
148.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 - 2.0 TDI SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (140 ps)

£1,990

2L
174.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Your Motoring Limited

01487800643 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£8,899

Finance available £176 pm

1.5L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,099

Finance available £226 pm

1.6L
44.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI 5dr

Reduced

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cardiff Cars Sales

02920028847 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

1.6L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Sloan Cars

02890023215 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr

£13,999

1.5L
50.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Kilmarnock Autoplex

01563590183 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - GTD TDI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,450

Finance available £345 pm

2L
43.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wynford Williams Car Sales

01970600150 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Greenock

01475601914 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 eTSI Life DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,897

Finance available £362 pm

1L
13.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,000

Finance available £319 pm

1.5L
29.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.2 TSI S 5dr

£2,995

1.2L
122.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Clives Autos Quayside

01206482938 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,700

Finance available £194 pm

1.6L
61.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Turners of Roborough

01752427448 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Drew Baxter Car Sales

02890023131 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,298

2L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,480

Finance available £256 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Capital Ltd

02038933681 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG Automatic

£43,950

2L
3.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

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

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 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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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