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.

5,129 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,200

Finance available £139 pm

2L
108.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GB AUTOCARE LTD

01904237846 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
90.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CAR-O-FAIR LTD

02920028832 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 - 1.6 TDI SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,750

1.6L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

LYTHAM MOTOR COMPANY LTD

01253200832 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) Life EVO

Low Mileage

£18,495

1.5L
10.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

KSM BHAM LTD

01217288727 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£21,005

1.5L
18.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - Life 1.5 TSI 115ps 6-Speed Manual 5 Door

Low Mileage

£24,995

1.5L
1.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

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

£20,990

1.5L
24.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£11,299

Finance available £230 pm

2L
56.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
92.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£18,956

1.5L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

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

Low Mileage

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

1.9L
72.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Swift Cars south Wales Ltd

01495369894 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 2.0 SDI S 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,795

2L
109.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

EZAT CAR SALES

01908953485 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (62) - 1.4 DSG SE 122 AUTOMATIC ULEZ 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.4L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Left Hand Drive Place

01256679126 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - 1.6 FSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,395

1.6L
107.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

A1 Car Shop Ltd

01462412937 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£14,900

Finance available £262 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,749

1L
27.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 Golf Match TSi Evo 5dr

Reduced

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
43.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richlee Motor Company Rayleigh

01268219714 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,250

Finance available £140 pm

1.6L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Evelan Car Sales

02890023161 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,699

Finance available £351 pm

1.5L
60.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

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 (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 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.