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.

5,263 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

£26,490

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.4 TSI S Euro 5 5dr

£1,495

1.4L
162.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr

£1,495

2L
171.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 Golf Life TDI 5dr

£13,300

Finance available £275 pm

2L
83.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 3dr

£6,795

1.4L
133.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - Wagon/Estate Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£5,650

1.2L
39.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

NS Auto Trading Ltd

02039577375 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - GTI MK8 Facelift 2024 2.0 TSI (265ps) DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£35,000

2L
2.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ONYX AUTO

01614705711 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105

£5,595

Finance available £103 pm

1.6L
103.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.4 TSI SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,500

Finance available £233 pm

1.4L
70.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Match Chester

01244207613 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245

£18,047

Finance available £358 pm

1.4L
46.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Durham

01388217377 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,949

Finance available £302 pm

1.5L
34.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01792001651 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 1.4 TSI Match DSG 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,099

1.4L
81.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CARHUB MK LTD

01908010437 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,994

1.5L
29.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.4L
46.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

KF Cars Supermaket

01416118777 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,250

Finance available £408 pm

1.4L
25.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,999

Finance available £303 pm

1.5L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 85kW e-Golf 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

36.0K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Cheltenham Spa Motors Ltd

01452227274 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - 1.9 TDI PD Sport Estate 5dr Diesel Manual (149 g/km, 130 bhp)

Low Mileage

£3,990

1.9L
72.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Swift Cars south Wales Ltd

01495369894 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
101.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

M and M Lyons Car Sales

01952446072 *

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 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 (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 (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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