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 Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 3dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,930

Finance available £471 pm

2L
34.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Buy and Go Cars

02920108594 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TSI R (Leather) 4Motion Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
96.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rodden Road Cars

01373481367 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TSI 265 GTI 5dr DSG

£35,995

Finance available £719 pm

2L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

L A MOTORS

07393778079 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) Life EVO

Reduced

£14,443

1.5L
51.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) Touchscreen,

£13,990

1.5L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Nelson

01282501882 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD (Nav) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

2L
139.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Harris Motor Group

01924942328 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,949

Finance available £281 pm

1.5L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - MK8 R-Line 1.5 TSI 150PS 6-speed Manual 5 Door

Low Mileage

£21,495

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 2-Door

Reduced

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Riverside Motors

01325525225 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,990

1.5L
71.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (150 ps

£5,975

Finance available £111 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£18,950

Finance available £369 pm

2L
26.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JRS Commercials & Cars

02887441404 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

1.6L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,960

1.5L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,498

1.5L
24.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Benton Newcastle SEAT

01916070546 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,895

Finance available £462 pm

1.5L
16.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (30

Low Mileage

£15,250

Finance available £318 pm

2L
72.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,998

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) R-Line EVO Manual

£21,250

1.5L
29.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

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

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

* 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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