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.

5,258 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

PEMBROKESHIRE CAR & VAN SALES LTD

01994220015 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£26,498

2L
31.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£18,700

1.5L
8.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Loughborough

01509274556 *

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

£15,200

Finance available £254 pm

2L
46.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£17,899

Finance available £370 pm

2L
33.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Sheffield

01143086607 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,475

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
94.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Leicester Car Centre Ltd

01164648301 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
14.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.4 TSI GTE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (204 ps)

£7,495

1.4L
110.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Parkside Motors Ltd

02039475180 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
53.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Automotive GT Car Sales Ltd

01236802988 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
87.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£24,950

Finance available £492 pm

2L
37.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Turbo Cars

02830447309 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (58) - 2.0 S SDI 5dr [AC]

Reduced

£895

2L
166.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (9G) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
80.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

RB Automotive Ltd

01924668077 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s

Low Mileage

£11,295

Finance available £230 pm

1.6L
45.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£13,999

Finance available £282 pm

1.6L
52.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

02037808144 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Cabriolet 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,295

1.6L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

North West Trade Centre

01772285821 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£17,749

Finance available £367 pm

1.5L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.2 S TSI 2DR Manual

Low Mileage

£6,490

1.2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Deepdale Motor Company

01772376077 *

Volkswagen Golf2003 (03) - 2.0 GTi 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,750

2L
96.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Torc Motors Ltd

01485500856 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,799

Finance available £353 pm

2L
52.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

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

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

* 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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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