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 Golf2012 (12) - 1.2 TSI BLUEMOTION DSG AUTOMATIC ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Drive Japan

01416119962 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5-Door

£17,897

Finance available £362 pm

1.5L
48.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Barnsley

01226448498 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s

Low Mileage

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

2L
32.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AVI DHIR CARS LIMITED TA AD Car Sales

01530441089 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,295

1.6L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mark Ross Motors

02892441151 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
47.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion 5dr ZERO ROAD TAX

Low Mileage

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
79.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£15,424

1.5L
36.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Nottingham North

01313702485 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,490

Finance available £421 pm

1.4L
18.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,506

1.5L
39.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
66.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JH Foreman

01377318074 *

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

£31,990

1.5L
100.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
66.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

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

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
79.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

TJ Hamilton & Co

02886273062 *

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 Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG [Nav]

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Garage at Shurlock Row

01182274533 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,949

Finance available £324 pm

1.5L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01482697731 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£17,700

Finance available £316 pm

1.5L
35.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Reduced

£12,599

1.5L
52.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 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 2020)

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 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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