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.

5,272 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 2.0TDI (150PS) R-Line DSG Automatic

Low Mileage

£26,199

2L
7.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Bridgend)

01656330795 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.0 Golf Life eTSI Semi-Auto 5dr

Reduced

£20,300

1L
8.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI Active Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£14,800

Finance available £257 pm

2L
79.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - TDI Match 5-Door

Reduced

£13,795

Finance available £286 pm

1.6L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Wimborne Car Sales

01202052311 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.5L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Meadway Autoland

01216475215 *

1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Life DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,795

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
50.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.2 TSI DSG AUTOMATIC PETROL 5 DOOR 43,000 MILES FROM NEW

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.2L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

IMPORT AUTOS LIMITED

01628565038 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI 150 Active 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,700

1.5L
19.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Loughborough

01509274556 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr DSG

£12,998

1.6L
74.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Style Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fitzroy Motor Co

01425203840 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£33,990

1.5L
1.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Nuneaton

02476930658 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,498

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leyland)

01772283744 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£13,475

Finance available £279 pm

2L
83.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Van Centre Bury

01618048245 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG Auto with Apple Carplay

Low Mileage

£19,999

2L
19.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Invicta Doves Horsham

01403338915 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£6,950

Finance available £133 pm

2L
122.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SMCARS (LTD)

02830447097 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,900

Finance available £65 pm

1.6L
65.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Leos Garage LTD

01312874294 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
82.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 Golf R TSi 4Motion Semi-Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£36,750

Finance available £734 pm

2L
6.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

torquepoint

01908765737 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£13,895

1.5L
50.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,498

1.5L
34.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (West Bromwich)

01215165456 *

4.7/5 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

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

lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lHUz0lVPyUY/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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 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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year