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.

5,108 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

£13,000

2L
77.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

County Motorparks Chelmsford

01245678762 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£15,400

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Kings Norton

01217288857 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£10,639

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Bridgwater

01278555830 *

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

Low Mileage

£5,995

1.4L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Stevenage Cars

01438908360 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (150ps) R-Line EVO Manual

Low Mileage

£20,990

1.5L
23.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Cardiff)

02922672897 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Active 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,298

1.5L
9.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO GPF R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,247

Finance available £408 pm

1.5L
12.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Maidstone

01622427500 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 2.0 TSI GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Cars Telford Limited

01743291623 *

0/5 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 Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£13,595

2L
66.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Swale Auto Sales II LTD

01748906162 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 2dr

£4,990

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

MB Executive Motor Company

02476936643 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - MATCH TDI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,195

1.6L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vision Car Sales

01793550993 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

2L
88.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

APEX AUTOHAUS LTD

01213872426 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£15,995

2L
49.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s

Low Mileage

£13,295

Finance available £275 pm

1.4L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GDH Car Sales

01403330806 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI Style Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,493

Finance available £274 pm

2L
72.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - MK8 Hatchback 5Dr 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line EVo DSG | Rear Camara | Lane Assist

Low Mileage

£19,680

Finance available £384 pm

1.5L
30.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr [Leather]

Reduced

£2,495

2L
164.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

THE CAR PEOPLE - NEATH

01639509759 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£8,495

1.6L
80.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Supreme Motors NI

02882449414 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) Style EVO

Low Mileage

£17,491

1.5L
33.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

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 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.