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.

5,260 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG SEMI-AUTO

Low Mileage

£24,299

2L
5.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Ballymena

02890022273 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£15,841

1.5L
21.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

2L
34.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AUTOPRESTIGE

01274087615 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,851

Finance available £265 pm

1L
35.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Stockton-on-Tees

01642937613 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDI 105 BlueMotion - Automatic - 12 Month Mot 5-Door

£2,495

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.4L PETROL

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

1.4L
43.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
People Carrier

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
23.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£17,990

1.5L
15.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - TSI GTI 2-Door

Low Mileage

£7,940

Finance available £155 pm

2L
78.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

RB AUTOS SW LIMITED TA Bristol Car Centre

01172331345 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

2.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,498

2L
15.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall/Jeep/Alfa Romeo (Linwood)

01414736412 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,850

Finance available £309 pm

1.5L
42.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,949

Finance available £324 pm

1.5L
27.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

02039092092 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,994

Finance available £313 pm

2L
60.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BVG Automotive

01618048253 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,950

Finance available £66 pm

1.6L
166.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

NW Auto Sales LTD

01733794319 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match Edition 5dr

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Penrith)

01768800804 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.4 TSI SE Cabriolet Euro 5 2dr

£4,000

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
111.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£11,249

1.4L
64.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,998

1.5L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Bolton)

01204324180 *

4.7/5 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 2020)

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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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