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.

5,132 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

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 Golf2020 (70) - GTE ADVANCE DSG - REVERSE CAMERA - LANE ASSIST -KEYLESS -WINTER PACK -LEDS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

1.4L
33.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI 272 GTE eHybrid 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£36,868

1.5L
1.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£18,290

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
47.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Farnham Volkswagen

01252916356 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI 150 GT Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,895

Finance available £253 pm

1.4L
54.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 1.4 TSI SE DSG Euro 5 5dr 2012

Low Mileage

£6,750

Finance available £128 pm

1.4L
65.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Shotts Motorz Ltd

01698538653 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TSI 265 GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£34,995

Finance available £698 pm

2L
1.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

MKS Car Sales Sinclair Street

01382213497 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,999

Finance available £412 pm

2L
42.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AHC CAR SALES LTD

01135123659 *

Volkswagen Golf2001 (X) - 1.9 SE TDI 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,995

1.9L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

M and M Lyons Car Sales

01952446072 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Paul Mulford T/A AUTOPARK

01603978058 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - Style 1.5 eTSI 150ps 7-Speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£33,010

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (61) - 1.4 TSI S Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rother Valley Motors Ltd

01144786484 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£22,450

Finance available £441 pm

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 Twist Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

1.4L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Safe Cars

01234861497 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150ps 7-Speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

Reduced

£33,899

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - GTD 5-Door

£9,995

2L
79.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SLD Autos

01443801332 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£19,750

Finance available £385 pm

2L
34.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Clive Hamilton Motors

02890023155 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
11.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Andover Volkswagen

01264311662 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£13,233

1.6L
53.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Stockport

01614139870 *

4.6/5 Stars

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 (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 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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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