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.

5,480 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - 1.6 S FSI 5dr [AC]

Low Mileage

£1,850

1.6L
113.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DAM cheap cars

01924667071 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,490

1.6L
134.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

A47 Car Sales Ltd

01945664308 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GTD BlueLine Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£12,450

£256/pm (HP)

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Windmill Autos Ltd

01767661305 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 99kW e- 35kWh 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£11,155

21.6K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI 110 Match 5dr £0 Tax - ULEZ FREE

£5,495

1.6L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Maximum Car Supermarket

02392002264 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£17,789

2L
62.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (61) - 1.6 TDi S 5dr

£1,995

1.6L
145.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

INFINITE VEHICLE SALES LTD

01773302789 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£7,995

1.6L
78.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Liberty Green Cars

01329559706 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG Hatchback

£28,096

1.4L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Leeds

01134676309 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf(62) - 2.0 TSI GTI Edition 35 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,500

66.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hamlet Cars

01707932620 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£22,449

£470/pm (HP)

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

Volkswagen Golf1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - BLUETOOT

£18,811

29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.0 TSI Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,700

£328/pm (HP)

1L
18.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Cabriolet Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

£194/pm (HP)

2L
67.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Car House 2000 LTD

01902916099 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,750

£218/pm (HP)

1.6L
66.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ADAM G CARS

01302986312 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr

£5,500

£150/pm (HP)

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Toto Motors Ltd

01616727281 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£14,850

£264/pm (PCP)

1.5L
56.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£18,300

2L
23.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,698

1.5L
30.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Broxburn Seat / Fiat

01506532870 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£17,585

£284/pm (PCP)

2L
41.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Donnelly Bros Citroen (Dungannon)

02887440646 *

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 5dr 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

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