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.

5,130 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr Manual

£14,395

1.5L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Aberdeen

01224451039 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

1.4L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AMS Cars

01992367189 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£14,498

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Winsford)

01606531928 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 1.4 TSI S 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£4,699

1.4L
61.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Qasr Almadina Used Cars Ltd

01753201083 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - R TSI DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,495

Finance available £462 pm

2L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Williams Automotive Ltd

01235636668 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,349

Finance available £333 pm

2L
38.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,878

1.5L
7.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style 5dr DSG

£23,950

Finance available £471 pm

1.4L
15.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,498

1.5L
16.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Wishaw)

01698537718 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 1.6 FSI S Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£2,200

1.6L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Resi Auto Sales Ltd

01254947357 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,989

1L
37.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Nuneaton

02476932941 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - TSI SE Nav 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.4L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bulgari Performance Ltd

01274087667 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
53.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cottage Cars

02038731429 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2007 (57) - 1.6 MATCH FSI 5-Door

£2,995

1.6L
159.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£32,980

Finance available £628 pm

2L
50.0
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

EVOLVE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01793680983 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
91.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

D&C AUTO REPAIRS LIMITED

01752982988 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,989

Finance available £156 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion Tech Match 5dr DSG

£3,750

1.6L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

South West Motor Sales

01744419366 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr [Nav]

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

2L
91.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SNG MOTORS

02890026877 *

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 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 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.