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.

5,153 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 Tsi Evo Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Dsg Euro 6 s/s 150 Ps

Low Mileage

£16,695

1.5L
31.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

EMG Motor Group Huntingdon

01480597486 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
64.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phillips (Lisburn) Ltd

02892791480 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDi 140 BlueMotion Tech GT 5dr [Leather]

Low Mileage

£5,500

Finance available £101 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RM Trade Sales

02890023693 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£23,495

Finance available £462 pm

2L
48.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Hannon Fleet Sales

02890023652 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TSI 310 R 3dr 4MOTION

£11,000

Finance available £223 pm

2L
180.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

4motion Cars

01733977717 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PEMBROKESHIRE CAR & VAN SALES LTD

01994220015 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Diamond Motor House Ltd

01134676305 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 8 Style 1.5 TSI 130PS 6-speed Manual 5 Door Manual

Low Mileage

£17,612

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 - 2.0 TSI R 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
97.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BCPerformance

01453705159 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£20,114

1.5L
20.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Taunton

01823218663 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - TSI R 5-Door

£16,740

Finance available £352 pm

2L
95.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

RB AUTOS SW LIMITED TA Bristol Car Centre

01172331345 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£19,900

Finance available £388 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 Style TSI 5DR Hatch Petrol

Low Mileage

£17,289

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
24.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI GT 3dr

£2,995

2L
90.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£10,999

1.6L
62.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (68) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,770

1.6L
39.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps) Matrix LED Headl

Reduced

£25,001

Finance available £493 pm

2L
24.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,899

Finance available £348 pm

1.5L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,990

1.5L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 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

lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lHUz0lVPyUY/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year