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.

5,106 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

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

£7,495

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rightmove Autos Limited

01182058857 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
44.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Paignton Motor Company

01803223528 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,400

Finance available £299 pm

1.5L
55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Penguin Cars Limited

01743291962 *

Volkswagen Golf2003 (52) - 2.3 VR5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,950

2.3L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tudor Prestige Ltd

01733797069 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI GTD 3door

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
32.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rydon Car Sales Exeter

01392342738 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - TDI 184 DSG GTD 5-Door

£17,499

Finance available £376 pm

2L
57.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Hendy Car Store Exeter

01392342593 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,250

Finance available £207 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Country Lodge Cars

01594809269 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (

Low Mileage

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
69.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oakwood Specialist Cars

01918237768 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - Style 1.5 TSI 130PS 6-speed Manual 5 Door

Low Mileage

£20,995

1.5L
12.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,769

Finance available £365 pm

1.5L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SHEPSHED FORD

01509277046 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,695

Finance available £342 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - R-Line Etsi S-A Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,250

1.5L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Cawdor Newcastle Emlyn

01239801073 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Style 5dr

£16,998

2L
48.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat Motorstore Jeep Abarth (Oldbury)

01215166056 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

Low Mileage

£24,949

2L
22.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Browns of Richmond

01748901679 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

Reduced

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

JRS Commercials & Cars

02887441404 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
62.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
81.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oakwood Specialist Cars

01918237768 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£20,750

Finance available £406 pm

2L
47.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Silverstone Cars Limited

01708206414 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£25,831

2L
5.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Nottingham North

01313702485 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,499

Finance available £279 pm

1.6L
48.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 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

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.