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.

5,354 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Midlands Car Trader

01332325484 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2005 - 2.0 Golf GT TDI Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
137.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

1.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - TDI Match Edition 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,499

Finance available £217 pm

2L
55.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hendy Mazda Horsham

01403331262 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Clifford Car Sales

02890023208 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.0 TSI Match BlueMotion Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,498

1L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Linwood Seat / Skoda / Cupra

01414736420 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 3dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Durdar Garage

01228273232 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£17,449

Finance available £356 pm

2L
30.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2-Door

£2,995

1.6L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,450

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hitchin Audi

01462412595 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£22,698

1.5L
10.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Greenock

01475601914 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 1.6 S 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Staines Motors LTD

01784779334 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,298

1.5L
31.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Renault/Dacia (Dumbarton)

01389310597 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI Match DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

1.6L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

David Brothers Cars Ltd

01763291606 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£33,998

2L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr MANUAL DIESEL 75000 MILES

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brownlow Cars

01325527847 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.4 TSI S Euro 5 5dr

£1,495

1.4L
162.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr DSG

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Premier Car Sales Ltd

01772285710 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 2.0 Golf Match Edition BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,395

2L
35.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Liberty Green Cars

01329559706 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£32,998

2L
27.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat/Abarth (Glasgow)

01416118816 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,998

1.5L
15.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat Motorstore Jeep Abarth (Oldbury)

01215166056 *

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

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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 (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 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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