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.

5,312 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£17,600

Finance available £310 pm

1.5L
43.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,450

Finance available £144 pm

2L
76.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Twin Car Sales Ltd

01255449987 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.2 TSI 85 S 5dr Just 45K Miles

Low Mileage

£5,750

Finance available £106 pm

1.2L
45.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Clives Autos Quayside

01206482938 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£36,898

2L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow Corvette / Maserati / LUXE

01414049937 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£10,995

1.6L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Baglan Car Centre

01639501146 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG Automatic ULEZ Hpi Clear

£6,499

Finance available £123 pm

1.4L
120.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Simply Motors

02081500946 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,690

1.2L
41.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crewe SEAT

01270441045 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.2 TSI S 5dr

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

1.2L
90.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Swale Auto Sales II LTD

01748906162 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,935

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Sale

01614139897 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr

£12,433

1.5L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£16,299

Finance available £331 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01273121210 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,400

1.5L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Reduced

£16,195

Finance available £353 pm

1.5L
24.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
83.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

XENON AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01707932603 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 PETROL 2-Door

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
69.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Grampian Cars

01261450003 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£22,979

Finance available £476 pm

2L
32.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,498

1.5L
40.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Seafield MG

01313226884 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,299

Finance available £375 pm

2L
41.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Store Manchester

01616944756 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,949

Finance available £133 pm

1.6L
87.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Big Bob Car Sales

01482739309 *

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

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 (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

* 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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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