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.

5,225 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2012 - SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 2-Door

Low Mileage

£4,490

2L
95.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Convertible

CSK Motors

01709288247 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£22,735

1.5L
28.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (62) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£3,990

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Xpert

01623259371 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) F/S/H! 2 FORMER O

£9,595

2L
89.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,997

Finance available £322 pm

1.5L
24.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Stoke

01782432938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf(17) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,988

84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Auto Group

02037808971 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 3.2 V6 R32 4MOTION 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,500

3.2L
92.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

NOVA CAR SALES LTD

01215160442 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,282

1.5L
24.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£10,998

21.2K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG [Leather]

£5,995

2L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Westgate Motor Centre

01274089104 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

Reduced

£5,900

Finance available £109 pm

1.6L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - R MK8 2.0 TSI 4Motion 320PS DSG 5 Dr

Reduced

£31,750

2L
22.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark Skoda Dundee

01382279255 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£33,998

2L
22.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Dundee Vauxhall / Fiat / Abarth

01382768498 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£6,799

1.6L
121.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£26,840

2L
17.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Evans Halshaw Ford Blackburn

01254946254 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr

£5,750

2L
257.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

4motion Cars

01733977717 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr

Reduced

£2,495

1.6L
179.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MY ISHAQ LTD

01217525785 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.0 eTSI MHEV Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

£16,599

Finance available £320 pm

1L
45.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£9,749

Finance available £184 pm

1.5L
88.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£27,490

1.5L
878.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

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 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

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