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.

5,123 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

£9,797

1.6L
89.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cornwall Trade Centre

01872306436 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 Golf R TSi Semi-Auto 4WD 3dr

£16,795

Finance available £353 pm

2L
80.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTyne

01916076035 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

Reduced

£18,295

Finance available £355 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Baskeyfield Motors Limited

01782917824 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 Golf SE Nav TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

£6,895

Finance available £132 pm

1.6L
111.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Malt Mill Motors Plumtree

01158963973 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG

£9,985

Finance available £201 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Aventus Motors LTD

01162165602 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£8,650

Finance available £171 pm

1.6L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mac Motors

02890023774 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£8,000

1.4L
80.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hamlet Cars

01707932620 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

Low Mileage

£11,990

2L
65.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Stoneacre Chesterfield Jeep

01246388132 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£19,299

Finance available £396 pm

1.5L
46.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,100

Finance available £181 pm

1.6L
62.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

THEURBANDEALERSHIP LTD

02039577411 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 Etsi 150 Match 5Dr Dsg

Low Mileage

£25,999

1.5L
5.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Battersea Volkswagen

02037636641 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£19,880

1.5L
23.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr DSG

£15,199

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,536

1.6L
134.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr

£6,499

Finance available £123 pm

1.4L
96.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Penarth Marina Sales and Boat Services

02921676478 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£11,950

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
92.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 1.0 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,989

1L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2003 - GTI T 3-Door

Low Mileage

£5,990

1.8L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Reduced

£26,795

Finance available £530 pm

2L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

Reduced

£7,250

1.6L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Joseph David Simm Ltd

01670339826 *

4.3/5 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 (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.