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.

5,315 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,299

Finance available £275 pm

1.6L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

MW MOTOR GROUP LTD

01164784157 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI Match 5dr DSG

£14,998

2L
44.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

2L
76.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kevin Car Sales & HCW Ltd

01708205498 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£16,046

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
86.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.6 TDI Match Edition Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
92.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Advantage Vehicles Limited

01270297248 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,250

Finance available £140 pm

1.6L
90.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

Volkswagen Golf(59) - 2.0 TSI GTI Euro 5 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,690

Finance available £127 pm

90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

AUTOMOTIVE PRESTIGE LTD

01162162548 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (65) - 1.6 TDI 110 S 5dr

Reduced

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
118.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Coseley Auto Centre

02037808892 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,240

Finance available £273 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vision Motors Direct Ltd

01942367552 *

Volkswagen Golf2007 (57) - 2.0T GTI 5dr

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
148.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cadnam Car Sales

02382149488 *

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

Reduced

£13,100

Finance available £276 pm

1.5L
93.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 S 5dr

£2,995

1.2L
120.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EASICARS SUPERMARKET

02039375174 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Newport Motor Company

01566700819 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
81.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Luks car sales garage ltd

01162162323 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,250

1.5L
12.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorparks Canterbury

01227203463 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - BLUEMOTION Automatic

Reduced

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

1.4L
41.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Riviera Japanese Imports

01803224925 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£39,995

Finance available £801 pm

1.4L
99.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Phillips (Lisburn) Ltd

02892791480 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,490

1.5L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

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 2020)

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.

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Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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