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.

5,203 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - MK8 Hatchback 5Dr 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line EVo DSG + 18' BERGAMO ALLOYS + WINTER

Low Mileage

£26,991

1.5L
7.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr + 17' VENTURA ALLOYS + PANORAMIC SUNROOF

£18,991

1.5L
35.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 5dr

£2,750

1.6L
160.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Allerton Trade Centre Ltd

01274028103 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps) - LED - SAT N

£26,529

Finance available £536 pm

2L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI GT Edition 5dr DSG

Reduced

£17,750

Finance available £344 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr Manual

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
49.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Glasgow

01412601245 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (74) - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£24,860

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 3dr DSG

£9,450

Finance available £189 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Pro Motor Salvage

01156977774 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

1.5L
20.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Todds of Campsie

02871220972 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr

£12,488

Finance available £257 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BJH Motors & Sons (Rainbow Hill)

01905676573 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI GT 3dr

£2,995

2L
90.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (74) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£28,490

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (61) - 2.0 TSI GTI (Leather) Euro 5 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dedicated Motor Company Ltd

01709913919 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - TDI SE Nav 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

1.6L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Kams Cars Ltd

02037808224 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PEMBROKESHIRE CAR & VAN SALES LTD

01994220015 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,250

Finance available £162 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RM Traders

01780430645 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

2L
34.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Grayswood Cars

01428771375 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£29,167

2L
5.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

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

£1,595

1.6L
170.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Millennium Cars

01246381925 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,440

1.6L
100.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

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

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 (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

* 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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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