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 Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Cheltenham Spa Motors Ltd

01452227274 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£6,000

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
144.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Drew Graham Motors

02881442140 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Reduced

£15,299

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
38.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,991

1.4L
15.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£11,000

Finance available £223 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Praters Of Hollingdon LLP

01525308854 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (122 ps

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

1.4L
108.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

KC KARS UK

01332418996 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,389

Finance available £312 pm

1.5L
25.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI 150 Black Edition 5dr + TECHNOLOGY PACK Manual

Low Mileage

£28,498

1.5L
2.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 Golf R-Line eTSI Semi-Auto 5dr

£18,400

1.5L
40.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
81.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI 110 SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,450

Finance available £189 pm

1.6L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

JGM Group

02890023173 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (20

£16,499

Finance available £318 pm

1.4L
44.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - 2.0 Sport TDI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AutowerxLtd

01933839536 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - Volkswagen Golf 1.5 Life 5dr

Reduced

£15,990

1.5L
41.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Baylis Cirencester

01285702713 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.0 TSI SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,990

1L
43.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

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

£9,645

Finance available £193 pm

2L
80.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bhakar Watts Cars

02921675239 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£22,895

1.5L
23.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Enkae Prestige Motors

01484240747 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£12,589

1.5L
62.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,495

Finance available £430 pm

2L
54.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 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

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

lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lHUz0lVPyUY/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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 Present)

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

* 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.