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.

5,250 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style 5dr DSG

£16,479

Finance available £335 pm

1.4L
52.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
105.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tore Car Sales

01463217401 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) F

Reduced

£17,777

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
45.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£13,037

Finance available £274 pm

1.6L
51.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,998

1.4L
47.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Morecambe)

01524938898 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr [Performance Pack]

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£7,995

1.6L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Top Gear NI

02879440940 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDi 170 GTD 5dr [Leather]

£5,495

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elite Motor Group LTD

01782389098 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£10,947

1.4L
58.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Leeds

01134676309 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,491

Finance available £257 pm

1.6L
36.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vans Northwest Ltd

01942597950 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0TDi GTD 5 DOOR 6-SPEED 181 BHP (EURO 6)

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
71.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ashington Autodrome

01670336672 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

£10,498

1.6L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Carlisle Motorstore / Vanstore

01228276696 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - eTSI MHEV Life 5-Door

£15,995

1.5L
40.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

McCarthy Cars Ltd

02038895516 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£14,980

Finance available £312 pm

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Autocars UK

01482296002 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.0 TSI Match Edition BlueMotion Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (

£7,870

1L
84.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£10,295

1.6L
53.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr

£18,498

1L
14.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - e-Golf 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,489

24.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,400

Finance available £481 pm

2L
22.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.6 TDI GT Edition Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£13,480

Finance available £235 pm

1.6L
61.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Thurlow Nunn Lowestoft

01502440235 *

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 2020)

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 (2016 to 2020)

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
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

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.