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.

5,254 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.6 TDI Match Edition Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Reduced

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
92.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Advantage Vehicles Limited

01270297248 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£30,990

Finance available £616 pm

2L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

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

£1,495

1.4L
162.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£4,695

1.6L
121.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,899

2L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£9,500

Finance available £190 pm

2L
78.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RSG MOTOR GROUP

01344204666 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr

£7,250

Finance available £140 pm

1.4L
97.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Violet Cars

01273095088 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,650

Finance available £171 pm

1.4L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DCX Car Sales

02890023222 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) Life EVO Manual

Low Mileage

£20,000

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 - 2.0 Golf SE TDI 5dr

£1,785

2L
196.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ripon Auto Centre

01765530144 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - Hatch Match 1.5 eTSI 150ps 7-Speed DSG 5 Door

Low Mileage

£27,795

1.5L
1.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£31,341

2L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - TSI Highline 5-Door

Reduced

£12,500

1.4L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Magnum Motor Co

01252968428 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
86.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (30

Low Mileage

£20,395

Finance available £398 pm

2L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

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

Low Mileage

£35,498

2L
10.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Stirling)

01786232223 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,490

1.6L
30.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMITED

02039537447 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,600

Finance available £349 pm

2L
56.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Marvello Trading

01268988916 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (73) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

1.5L
7.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

H J Wickett and Co

01752423700 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,195

Finance available £374 pm

1.5L
30.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Drift Bridge Volkswagen Epsom

01372238273 *

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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