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.

5,108 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

£6,450

1.6L
108.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG [Nav]

Reduced

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JM MOTOR CO

01158227506 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI S Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Reduced

£9,999

1.6L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Pinetree Car Superstore Tonypandy

01443806091 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - R-Line Tsi 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,920

Finance available £490 pm

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

1.6L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Town & Country Cars

02890026954 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£21,956

1.5L
11.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£3,295

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Fusion Autos LTD

02921676819 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - MK8 Hatch 5-Dr 1.5 eTSI (150PS) Life EVO DSG

£15,295

Finance available £262 pm

1.5L
47.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Berkeley Vale Hyundai

01454803048 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£22,498

1.5L
12.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Wishaw)

01698537718 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Reduced

£21,490

1.5L
26.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 2.0 SE TDI 5d 138 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£3,495

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Dunfermline

01383347038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
23.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 1.6 TDI S Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

1.6L
114.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Big Motor Company Ltd

01482947783 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

£7,950

1.6L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Pro X

02895908086 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
50.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Run About Autos LTD

01756636620 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - MK8 Facelift 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Style DSG + 18' CATANIA BLACK ALLOYS + REAR T 5-Door

£27,450

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 2.0 TSI GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Cars Telford Limited

01743291623 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (68) - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

2L
15.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Andover Volkswagen

01264311662 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI SE Nav 5-Door

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.4L
70.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Motor World MCR LTD

01616944305 *

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 2016)

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 (2016 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 / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 44 - 57
Acceleration:: 6.3 - 10.8 seconds
Boot space:: 380 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Fastest
2.0 TSI GTI Moda 5dr 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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