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.

5,266 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£22,930

2L
29.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Bexley

02038895332 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

£8,990

70.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,600

Finance available £264 pm

1.5L
93.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£12,450

Finance available £256 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

J.A.Hegarty Motors

02890023678 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (230 ps)

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
84.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,399

Finance available £337 pm

2L
92.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

IBZ Motors

02039897125 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

RM Trade Sales

02890023693 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

Reduced

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
66.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Riviera Car Centre Ltd

01803225282 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI Match 5dr

£6,595

Finance available £125 pm

2L
103.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

A&A Auto Sales

01832778585 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Active Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,600

Finance available £304 pm

1.5L
66.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

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

£12,650

Finance available £224 pm

1.5L
64.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2004 (04) - 1.6 Match 5dr

£895

1.6L
184.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ukandrewhunt

01172331353 *

0/5 Stars

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

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.4L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hounslow Cars Ltd

02039537374 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£9,850

Finance available £198 pm

2L
93.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£1,990

1.6L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

TS Motors

01282509437 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stephen Mawhinney

02893440736 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vollgas Automotive Ltd

01282509482 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 Golf R DSG 4WD 5dr

£15,995

2L
80.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,330

Finance available £275 pm

1.5L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (150ps) R-Line EVO

Low Mileage

£22,195

1.5L
8.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

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.

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