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.

5,198 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,790

Finance available £263 pm

2L
61.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre

01617904497 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - R MK8 2.0 TSI 4Motion 320PS DSG 5 Dr

£33,000

Finance available £657 pm

2L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark Skoda Dundee

01382279255 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 1.6 FSI Match 5dr

Reduced

£1,295

1.6L
93.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BILLA MOTORS LIMITED

02039123683 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,850

Finance available £449 pm

1.5L
4.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

£21,750

Finance available £426 pm

1.5L
20.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

D M Keith Select Bradford

01274089129 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.0 TSI Active 5dr

£16,488

Finance available £346 pm

1L
45.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Renault Retail Group Swansea

01792986158 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£19,250

Finance available £375 pm

2L
38.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Clive Hamilton Motors

02890023155 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£22,998

1.5L
12.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Swansea

01414839956 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

£20,131

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI Life Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Reduced

£16,145

2L
33.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£6,750

Finance available £128 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Drew Baxter Cars

02866330744 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - TDI BlueMotion Tech Match 5-Door

£5,491

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
118.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Prestige Motor Company

01312027977 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

95.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Redpath & Mclean Motor Ltd

01316036539 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,999

Finance available £394 pm

1.4L
20.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Stockton-On-Tees

01642937531 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (68) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,500

Finance available £401 pm

2L
63.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Seraph Cars

01923587567 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,850

Finance available £332 pm

2L
54.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£27,980

Finance available £530 pm

1.5L
50.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,800

1.5L
33.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Loughborough

01509274556 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

1.6L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BMR NI

02890023178 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£36,498

2L
21.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Bathgate

01506353072 *

4.7/5 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 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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