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.

5,396 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - ADIDAS EDITION 2.0 DSG + RARE MODEL + 77K+ ULEZ+ PEARLESCENT WHITE + PETROL 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Mexus

02037639082 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - eTSI MHEV Life 5-Door

Reduced

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

1.5L
94.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Wheelers Chipping Norton

01608692663 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
71.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

UK Car Sales

01792001638 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.4 TSI SE Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
109.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MK Autos

01612416609 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,900

1.5L
11.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

JC Select Dundee

01382236116 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,650

Finance available £193 pm

1.4L
46.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oxford Automotive

01865599168 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£23,839

1.5L
12.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - MK8 Facelift Match 1.5 TSI 150PS Hatch 5 Door + CLICK AND COLLECT Manual

£24,998

1.5L
2.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) Style EVO

£18,492

1.5L
30.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£15,490

Finance available £324 pm

1L
32.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,000

Finance available £329 pm

1.5L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Ford

01656336637 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£13,475

Finance available £279 pm

2L
83.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Van Centre Bury

01618048245 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£23,289

1.4L
20.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£23,935

Finance available £471 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car City UK Catterick

01748900779 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£16,950

Finance available £356 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

1.5L
17.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (Z2) - 1.0 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

£14,695

Finance available £306 pm

1L
66.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Burch Autos Limited

02890021865 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£24,549

Finance available £510 pm

2L
24.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£16,895

Finance available £369 pm

1.5L
16.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
95.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

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 Present)

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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