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.

5,132 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.0 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,799

1L
24.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£9,999

Finance available £205 pm

1.5L
76.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

Low Mileage

£29,991

Finance available £596 pm

2L
19.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Daniel Alexander Motor Group

01482296165 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£18,490

Finance available £359 pm

2L
25.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Roadside Motors (Armagh) Ltd

02890026875 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,491

1.5L
40.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 (05) - 1.6 FSI SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual (163 g/km, 113 bhp)

Reduced

£1,795

1.6L
83.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CHORLTON CAR SALES LTD

01614705611 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£16,998

1.5L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kilmarnock Hyundai / Vanstore

01563590228 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£20,116

1.5L
17.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Nottingham South

01156977747 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI MATCH EDITION BMT 5-Door

Reduced

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
104.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Reo Car Sales

01291441528 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

£18,420

Finance available £389 pm

2L
56.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

£25,850

Finance available £511 pm

2L
25.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - TSI Style 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,999

1.5L
34.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Peat Motors Ltd

01529401220 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

2L
88.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

APEX AUTOHAUS LTD

01213872426 *

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£1,195

2L
190.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

T and T Motors

01924665188 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,045

1.5L
25.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Golf2003 (03) - 2.3 VR5 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,999

2.3L
120.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

WHEELS 4 LESS NORFOLK LTD

01603937331 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,549

Finance available £406 pm

2L
41.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

£18,599

Finance available £381 pm

1.5L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£19,298

1.5L
37.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.4 TSI GTE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (204 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
65.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 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

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 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

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