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.

5,266 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Hatchback DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps) 5-Door

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.6L
70.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandford Garage

01779401060 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,750

Finance available £196 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.4L PETROL

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

1.4L
61.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
People Carrier

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£24,998

2L
29.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Swansea

01414839956 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

Low Mileage

£24,000

Finance available £408 pm

2L
23.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£23,805

1.5L
21.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (61) - 2.0 TSI GTI (Leather) Euro 5 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dedicated Motor Company Ltd

01709913919 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 2.0 TDI GTD Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,770

Finance available £107 pm

2L
93.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wainman Motors

01733902676 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - R-Line Tsi 5-Door

Reduced

£17,995

1.5L
45.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hutchings Vauxhall Pontypridd

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps

Low Mileage

£9,750

Finance available £196 pm

1.6L
43.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Solid Cars Ltd

01312410517 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 Golf R TSi 4Motion Semi-Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,995

2L
30.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Culloden Car Sales

01463216019 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI GPF GTI Performance Hatchback 3dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,970

2L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£22,899

Finance available £479 pm

1.5L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 1.9 TDI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,299

1.9L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Z a motors

01785336152 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr DSG [Performance Pack/Nav]

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

2L
52.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Victoria Road Motors LTD

01792001639 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr

Low Mileage

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 2.0 Golf GT BlueMotion Technology TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
131.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTOHAUS CHELTENHAM LTD T/a Greatfield Cars & Commercials

01242501609 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (68) - 1.6 TDI SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,700

Finance available £289 pm

1.6L
25.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Norwich

01603567768 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£16,950

Finance available £356 pm

1.5L
52.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TJ Hamilton & Co

02886273062 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr DSG

£14,999

Finance available £303 pm

2L
44.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

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

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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 (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.