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.

5,333 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - MK8 Facelift Match 1.5 TSI 150PS Hatch 5 Door Manual

£23,990

1.5L
11.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Newport)

01633747928 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

£8,990

2L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2003 (03) - 1.6 Match 5dr

Reduced

£1,795

1.6L
126.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

F&d MOTOR GROUP LIMITED

01274089113 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - TDI DSG NAV GTD 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,999

Finance available £342 pm

2L
44.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Hendy Car Store Portsmouth

02392006087 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - R32 3.2 V6 4MOTION 5dr DSG SCORPIONS TOP SPEC

Low Mileage

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

3.2L
108.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,998

1.5L
21.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Sighthill MS / Fiat / Abarth / BYD

01313702482 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,394

Finance available £143 pm

1.4L
97.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

£8,700

Finance available £172 pm

54.2K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Nuneaton Car Sales Ltd

02475187138 *

Volkswagen GolfR32 MK4 BLUE 3.2 V6 PETROL 5 DOOR 6 SPEED MANUAL

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3.2L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOMANIA MOTORS GROUP LTD

01182058871 *

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

Low Mileage

£10,899

1.6L
51.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£22,500

1.5L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Loughborough

01509274556 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (62) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£2,595

1.6L
127.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motor Express

07305693901 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,990

1.5L
14.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Nuneaton

02476930658 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,989

Finance available £246 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Grand Motors Stockport Ltd

01614139892 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 2.0 Golf GT BlueMotion Technology TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
131.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTOHAUS CHELTENHAM LTD T/a Greatfield Cars & Commercials

01242501609 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kernow Kars Ltd

01326330754 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG Auto

£19,882

2L
25.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DCX Car Sales

02890023222 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI GT Cabriolet Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.4L
83.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Cars Hub

01753915480 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr Man, diesel, black + £20 road tax

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
54.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JTC Motors LTD

01752423585 *

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 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 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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