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.

5,219 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£10,650

Finance available £216 pm

1.6L
88.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Armagh Auto Sales

02837442284 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (125 p

Low Mileage

£12,495

1.4L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carite Ltd

01793224408 *

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 AUTOHAUS LTD

01162162323 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 2.0T GTI 5dr Full Service History, Recent Cambelt

£3,495

2L
180.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Woodland Autos

01635015938 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI (EVO) 2023MY Style Edition 5-Door

£21,480

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI S 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£5,499

1.4L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

First Deal Cars

02039780235 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Style Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - NAV - CARPLA

£15,294

Finance available £306 pm

2L
60.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£19,998

2L
25.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,099

Finance available £392 pm

1.5L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£24,998

2L
38.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£14,099

Finance available £293 pm

1.4L
36.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI S DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,295

Finance available £208 pm

1.4L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Middlesex Motors

02039577419 *

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

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.4L
98.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr

Low Mileage

£13,250

Finance available £274 pm

2L
62.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

iGEN Autos

02890023662 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,498

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,760

Finance available £323 pm

1.5L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Evans Halshaw Ford Burnley

01282503246 *

Volkswagen Golf1991 (H) - 3 door

Reduced

£6,795

2L
114.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Golf2007 - GTI 2-Door

Reduced

£4,995

2L
110.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Central Cars (Leigh) Ltd

01702418311 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE (Nav) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,990

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

1.6L
51.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Abberton Car Sales

01206879441 *

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

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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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