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.

5,245 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav 5-Door

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Automotion Vehicle Sales

01752987252 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
43.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

London Motor Sports Ltd

02039577473 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr 130ps, 2020

£14,290

Finance available £297 pm

1.5L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Regent Garage

01766800157 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
68.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - TSI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.2L
48.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

YZ Motor Group

02039537322 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TSI R 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,980

Finance available £335 pm

2L
65.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Pitstop Motors

02890023745 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

£33,000

Finance available £570 pm

2L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.2 TSI BLUEMOTION DSG AUTOMATIC ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Drive Japan

01416119962 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,000

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
16.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - BLUETOOT

£19,675

Finance available £392 pm

1.5L
26.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,500

Finance available £168 pm

1.4L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hounslow Cars Ltd

02039537374 *

2.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,998

Finance available £452 pm

2L
37.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Corus Automotives

01777800508 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr DSG 67K Miles

Low Mileage

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
67.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Clives Autos Quayside

01206482938 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG 19' ESTORIL BLACK ALLOYS, PAN ROOF

£42,690

2L
2.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 5 DOOR HATCHBACK

£5,750

Finance available £106 pm

1.4L
65.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

A7 Cars Ltd

01164787049 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line DSG 5-Door

£21,897

Finance available £448 pm

1.5L
25.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,600

Finance available £252 pm

1.5L
39.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
55.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Andover Volkswagen

01264311662 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£16,450

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

DC Motor Company Ltd

07436536342 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£15,299

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
33.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

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

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 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 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

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year