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.

5,205 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 3dr

£5,450

Finance available £99 pm

1.6L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

H and M Cars Ltd

07921081064 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DMS Prestige Limited

01992661584 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S 5-Door

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£16,300

1.5L
21.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Automatic

Low Mileage

£38,790

2L
3.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Neyland)

01646400240 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps

Low Mileage

£8,350

Finance available £164 pm

1.6L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Wise Auto Ltd

02038737355 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 - R 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jap Motor Cars Ltd

01773304675 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,994

Finance available £223 pm

2L
83.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BVG Automotive

01618048253 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG Automatic

£43,900

2L
1.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,700

Finance available £381 pm

2L
18.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

Reduced

£14,993

1.5L
41.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.4L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TRINITY MOTOR SALES LTD

01422411698 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£35,000

Finance available £698 pm

2L
517.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
109.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,249

Finance available £140 pm

2L
63.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Uppingham Car Sales

01572490993 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,499

Finance available £359 pm

2L
42.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Golf2002 - 1.8T GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual (192 g/km, 150 bhp)

Low Mileage

£2,495

1.8L
141.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HR Cars

01494927722 *

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

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
84.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

N K Car Sales Ltd

01143086541 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 2.0T GTI Pirelli Edition 5dr DSG

100

Reduced

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

2L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

360 Automotive Ltd

01283241544 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lHUz0lVPyUY/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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 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.