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.

5,192 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Life DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,950

Finance available £401 pm

1.5L
4.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£10,995

1.6L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Baglan Car Centre

01639501146 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps) - PADDLE SHIFT -

Low Mileage

£26,613

Finance available £538 pm

2L
27.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (72) - 1.5 TSI 150 Style Edition 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£20,986

1.5L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 3dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (30

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

David Wren Cars

01635884926 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£33,998

2L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,000

2L
99.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hartlebury Cars

01562547645 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

£17,790

Finance available £345 pm

2L
77.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Saltmarine Used Car Centre

02887441419 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.0 TSI SE Nav 5-Door

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Grimsby

01472494078 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 2.0 TDi 170 GTD 5dr DSG

£3,995

2L
154.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Jap Motor Cars Ltd

01773304675 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,990

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.0 TSI Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£12,495

1L
51.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Selectacars

01206355219 *

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

Low Mileage

£5,450

1.4L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Simple Car Sales Ltd

01539769118 *

Volkswagen Golf2001 (Y) - Avantgarde 2.0 Auto 2-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
125.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Townsends of Rugby Ltd

01788221946 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£30,990

Finance available £616 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Your Car Group

01633749117 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 eTSI (130ps) Life EVO DSG Estate 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,949

1.5L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

1.6L
22.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Reduced

£2,990

1.6L
136.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Your Motoring Limited

01487800643 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£5,399

1.6L
98.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - GT TSI EVO AUTO ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
31.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Roundstone Car Sales

01903944818 *

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 (2016 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 / 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

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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