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.

5,181 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£32,498

2L
30.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (East Kilbride)

01355203634 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 Golf GTD 5dr

£9,995

2L
88.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Prestige Quality Cars

01189072968 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£32,998

2L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£21,798

1.5L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Bolton)

01204324180 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - R-LINE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.5L
111.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG [Nav]

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Garrowhill Car Sales Ltd

01412601241 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £206 pm

1.5L
23.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fz Automotive Group

01422415953 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,998

1.6L
43.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Renault/Dacia (Wigan)

01924978966 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

2L
109.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

Reduced

£4,995

1.6L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Brothers Car Lot

01726219474 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,990

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ace4Cars LTD

01217287421 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG [Leather]

Low Mileage

£9,495

2L
94.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

CarBrothers NI

02894339938 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

2L
70.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - TDI R-Line 5-Door

£15,995

2L
50.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.4L
98.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,698

1.5L
30.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Broxburn Seat / Fiat

01506532870 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 5 5dr

£3,495

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Trade Sales Bodmin

01208221184 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,989

Finance available £246 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.4L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

New Look Motors

01216618627 *

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 (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

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