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.

5,135 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£21,498

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,989

Finance available £156 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£21,956

1.5L
11.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
14.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

1.6L
68.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

T&T (LEIC) CAR SALES LTD

01164646081 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,839

Finance available £384 pm

1.5L
37.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,300

Finance available £342 pm

1.5L
52.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£17,564

1.5L
21.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Cabriolet 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps

Low Mileage

£7,485

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
30.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Harris Cars South Ltd

02392006048 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,500

Finance available £324 pm

2L
40.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Direct Peterborough Limited

01733971397 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£4,875

Finance available £87 pm

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,500

Finance available £101 pm

1.4L
99.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Retail Car Ltd

01902916095 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 - S 79BHP 5-Door

£1,795

1.4L
200.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

1.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

£10,000

2L
89.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hearsall Common Car Sales

02475105300 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,800

Finance available £152 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO GPF R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,900

1.5L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bob Davies Car Sales

01495362191 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (64) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
87.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GGS Motors Ltd

02382148539 *

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

£24,450

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Danson Motors Ltd

02038978824 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hazelton Motors

02890023654 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 - SE TSI DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£5,300

Finance available £96 pm

1.4L
69.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MMRM Cars Ltd

01992666288 *

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

* 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.