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.

5,211 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - R MK8 2.0 TSI 4Motion 320PS DSG 5 Dr

Low Mileage

£36,000

2L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark Skoda Dundee

01382279255 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Style Estate 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,799

1.5L
71.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£24,849

Finance available £522 pm

2L
15.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

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

Reduced

£6,495

2L
120.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Pavilion Motor Company

01614139866 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£17,295

Finance available £335 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenhill Autos

01386573316 *

Volkswagen Golf(19) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,995

50.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Supercar Clinic Ltd

01204584584 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,989

1L
37.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Nuneaton

02476932941 *

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

£29,998

2L
41.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (230 ps)

£15,395

Finance available £322 pm

2L
84.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Duncan Motors (Melmount LTD)

02890023183 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,440

Finance available £358 pm

1.5L
46.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Select Motors GB

02037808222 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 Golf Style TSi 5dr

£11,444

Finance available £233 pm

1.5L
101.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Penny Hill Motors

01276538675 *

Volkswagen Golf1984 - Mk2 3-Door

Low Mileage

£8,000

1.8L
163.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Classic Car Auctions

01926357467 *

3.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eric Ellis Jones Brynsiriol Garage

01970600366 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI SE DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,779

1.6L
70.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

MF Motors LTD

01733915041 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.4 TSI SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,490

1.4L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SUMMIT AUTOMOTIVE HUDDERSFIELD LTD

01484240497 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

2L
21.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WYNFORD SPECIALIST MOTORS LIMITED

01217288702 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£10,699

Finance available £203 pm

2L
112.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5-Door

£14,297

Finance available £285 pm

1.5L
55.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Stoke

01782432938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 - 2.0 TSI GTI Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

2L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

IMPORT AUTOS LIMITED

01628565038 *

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 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

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