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.

5,245 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£14,890

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 5 (122 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,195

1.4L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
74.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

VHM Auto LTD

01216618540 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£26,500

Finance available £524 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

NAC MANCHESTER LTD

01612417467 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDi 140 BlueMotion Tech GT 5dr [Leather]

Low Mileage

£4,500

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

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

£12,517

Finance available £242 pm

1.5L
67.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,000

Finance available £239 pm

1.4L
72.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (

Reduced

£15,495

Finance available £272 pm

1.4L
44.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Status Motor Group LTD

02037639097 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

1.4L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mark Evans Car Sales

01872301825 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

Reduced

£4,795

1.6L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KPH SYKEHOUSE LTD TA Priory Motors

01405801107 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (72) - 1.5 TSI 150 Style Edition 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£21,235

1.5L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 TSI Match Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,800

1.4L
72.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG **EXTERIOR BLACK STYLING PK, PAN ROOF + *

Low Mileage

£40,490

2L
2.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr DSG

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£16,950

Finance available £287 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 5dr

£4,950

1.6L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

J.D AUTOS NI Ltd

02890023680 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£20,498

1.5L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£32,998

2L
22.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s)

£9,645

Finance available £193 pm

2L
80.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bhakar Watts Cars

02921675239 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£18,900

Finance available £337 pm

1.5L
41.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

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 (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

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