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.

5,245 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 8 R-Line 1.5 TSI 150PS 6-speed Manual 5 Door Manual

Low Mileage

£25,000

1.5L
3.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Weston-super-Mare

01934319038 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£39,990

2L
961.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone Select Bracknell

01344202530 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.4L PETROL

Low Mileage

£4,700

Finance available £83 pm

1.4L
51.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Style Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
22.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hartlepool Motor Company Ltd

01429807308 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£20,345

1.5L
18.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Milton Keynes

01908926622 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£13,490

1.5L
67.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

GDH Car Sales

01403330806 *

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

Reduced

£18,395

Finance available £357 pm

2L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Daci Autos Bristol LTD

01172331343 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 5 5dr

£2,495

2L
203.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

EASICARS SUPERMARKET

02039375174 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Auto

£16,895

Finance available £275 pm

1.4L
59.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Riverside BYD

01924927456 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (57) - 1.9 Match TDI 5dr/FULL/SERVICE/HISTORY

Low Mileage

£1,390

1.9L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KS Car Sales

01217288672 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Auto 5dr

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

14.6K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Harrow Ltd

02038895522 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,490

2L
91.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Performa Motors Limited

01733794291 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Reduced

£12,599

1.5L
52.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,995

1.4L
64.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Maguire's Belfast

02890023126 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI GTE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (204 p

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

1.4L
81.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£14,980

Finance available £312 pm

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Autocars UK

01482296002 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,990

1.4L
13.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Penton Citroen Salisbury

01722445449 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

£13,798

1.5L
53.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Bathgate

01506353072 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TSI 265 GTI 5dr DSG

Reduced

£34,990

Finance available £698 pm

2L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Camberley Volkswagen

01276543130 *

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 Present)

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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