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.

5,250 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr

Low Mileage

£9,250

Finance available £184 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

McDermott Motors

02890023775 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.0 eTSI Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,799

1L
24.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

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

Low Mileage

£1,990

1.6L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

TS Motors

01282509437 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

£24,498

2L
46.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glasgow)

01414068758 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£16,500

Finance available £346 pm

2L
55.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£15,499

1.5L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Bridgend)

01656330795 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

2L
72.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£15,900

Finance available £275 pm

1.5L
48.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Eakin Bros LTD

02871229276 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Reduced

£20,498

1.5L
4.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG + VIENNA LEATHER

Low Mileage

£23,442

1.4L
15.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI Match 5dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£16,950

Finance available £295 pm

1.5L
52.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TJ Hamilton & Co

02886273062 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,795

Finance available £308 pm

1L
38.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Redpath & Mclean Motor Ltd

01316036539 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 8 GTE 1.4 TSI 245PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door

Reduced

£20,993

1.4L
31.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,195

Finance available £272 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.6L
61.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ross Car Sales

01792001616 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr

£12,699

Finance available £253 pm

1.6L
51.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

02039092092 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,319

Finance available £375 pm

2L
17.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Store Northampton

01604343556 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GTD BlueLine Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,750

Finance available £447 pm

1.5L
18.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

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

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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

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