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.

5,126 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG

£14,913

1.5L
61.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Newbury

01635959570 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£25,989

Finance available £541 pm

1.4L
2.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2.0 TDI Life Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps) - LED - BLUE

£12,575

78.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI Match Euro 5 5dr

£3,795

1.4L
106.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ridgways Garage Ltd

01709212043 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110

£6,400

Finance available £121 pm

1.6L
93.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Driven Of York

01937221340 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£26,745

1.5L
8.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Skipton

01535280951 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (68) - 2.0 TSI GPF GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Panacea Motors Ltd

01616727308 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£21,498

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Diesel Hatchback

£25,745

2L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Skipton

01535280951 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,690

Finance available £384 pm

2L
27.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JF Cars Southwest Ltd

01460201372 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2004 (54) - 1.6 FSI S 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,495

1.6L
94.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

More Motors Ltd

02038737379 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport 45 DSG Racingline Stage 1+ Package 425 bhp 5-Door

£33,995

Finance available £678 pm

2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ar33ve Specialist Cars

01553605578 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£10,290

Finance available £208 pm

1.5L
63.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HALLAM CAR SALES LTD

01143086615 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,098

4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.4 TSI SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,500

Finance available £233 pm

1.4L
70.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Match Chester

01244207613 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£8,500

1.4L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Howard Banks Cars Ltd

01279212075 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI 150 R-Line Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,199

Finance available £317 pm

1.4L
32.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,999

Finance available £422 pm

2L
55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motor Match Stockport

01614139889 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG Auto Grey Petrol ULEZ FVWSH

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.4L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Calibre Car Sales

01206489522 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,000

2L
112.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

M & Y Car Sales

01952984337 *

3.6/5 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

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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