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.

5,285 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£28,990

1.5L
442.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 TSI Match Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,750

Finance available £106 pm

1.4L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Empire

02037576487 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,488

Finance available £212 pm

1.4L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Auto Group

02037808971 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 3.2 V6 R32 4Motion 5dr

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3.2L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Derbyshire Performance

01332419213 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (62) - 1.2 TSi Bluemotion Auto 5-Door

Reduced

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.2L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Nippon Motors

01164646509 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - MK8 1.5 TSI Style EVO (130ps) Estate 5-Door

Reduced

£20,293

1.5L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr - 12 Month Warranty - £20 tax - New mot on sale -

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 290 GTI TCR 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£27,376

2L
26.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Mercedes-Benz of Bolton

01204939598 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TDI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£25,990

Finance available £491 pm

2L
50.0
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,999

2L
54.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Irvine Outlet & EV Centre

01294444950 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr DSG

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Cabriolet 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,795

1.6L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

£21,698

2L
73.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Hillington Renault / Dacia / Alpine / Vanstore

01414068774 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£7,490

Finance available £145 pm

2L
121.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£17,499

Finance available £357 pm

2L
34.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (11) - 1.4 TSI SE DSG Euro 5 5dr

£8,449

Finance available £166 pm

1.4L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,695

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JLC Cars

01918237776 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£15,700

1.5L
73.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,841

Finance available £367 pm

1.5L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Hartlepool

01429801269 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly Ballymena Motorstore

02825447459 *

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 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 (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

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