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.

5,056 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.4 Petrol (TSI), BlueMotion Tech, Match Edition, Hatchback, 5 Door, Manual

£7,199

1.4L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (65) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

2L
88.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI GT (Leather) Euro 5 5dr

£3,995

2L
109.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MK Autos

01612416609 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

£14,400

Finance available £299 pm

1.6L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Roadside Motors

02892449312 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps

Low Mileage

£12,495

1.6L
48.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Professional Car Agent

01752973682 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 5dr 1.0 TSi Life

£16,295

1L
24.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Frosts Used Cars Shoreham-by-Sea

01273093609 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 2.0 TDi 170 GTD 3dr DSG TOP SPEC

£1,995

2L
235.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Car World Motors Ltd

01924668250 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 1.4 Petrol Automatic CC TSI 5 Seats 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,495

1.4L
44.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TM UK TRADING LTD Birmingham

02038895331 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.6L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CRL Motors Ltd

02890026902 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line 5-Door

£12,850

Finance available £265 pm

1.5L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

LPM Motors Limited

01992367251 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,498

1.6L
53.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall/Jeep/Alfa Romeo (Linwood)

01414736412 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - (74 Reg) 2.0TSI Black Edition 4Motion

£41,990

12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Acklam Cars

01642573603 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245

£17,000

Finance available £329 pm

1.4L
74.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Stringers of Petersfield

01730779314 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£21,705

1.5L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Skipton

01535280951 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - SE TSI BLUEMOTION TECH AUTO ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,999

1.4L
31.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Roundstone Car Sales

01903944818 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 2dr

Low Mileage

£8,990

2L
55.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Save On Used Cars

01724514218 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£22,998

1.5L
16.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Stirling)

01786232264 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (220 ps)

£12,190

2L
98.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SM Specialist Cars Ltd

01234860417 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI Life Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Reduced

£16,145

2L
33.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

£14,498

2L
86.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Newcastle OMODA / JAECOO

01913387320 *

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

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

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