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.

5,130 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£26,698

2L
11.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI GT 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,000

1.4L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Canvey Carriage Company

01268203836 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr

£1,495

2L
171.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Trade Car Lot

01924973266 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,499

Finance available £314 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01792001651 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 Golf GTD TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Warwickshire Prestige Cars

02475105246 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,698

1.5L
25.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Glasgow)

01414736424 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£34,995

Finance available £698 pm

2L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,550

Finance available £169 pm

2L
116.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 eTSI Life DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,897

Finance available £341 pm

1L
22.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Barnsley

01226448498 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,000

2L
64.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr [Leather]

Low Mileage

£4,790

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sway Road Car Sales

01792940350 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GTD BlueLine DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,200

Finance available £250 pm

2L
93.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Marvello Trading

01268988916 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 1.4 TSI 160 GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,799

1.4L
86.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Saver Motors

01919333978 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£23,490

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
17.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,250

1.6L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Evelan Car Sales

02890023161 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI GTI DSG 5-Door

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bexhill Motors Terminus Road

01424234748 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

Reduced

£7,800

Finance available £152 pm

52.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Reduced

£17,999

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
32.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

DS Cars

02894338808 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI Life Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£12,399

2L
90.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£20,998

2L
20.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark SEAT/Cupra (Glasgow North)

01414839922 *

4.7/5 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 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 (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 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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