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.

5,176 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition 5-Door

£8,795

Finance available £174 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Orchard Mill Motor Company

01225436003 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

Reduced

£27,750

2L
16.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Auto MC Limited TA Automotive Cars

01535280995 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£22,298

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£11,490

1.4L
60.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Reduced

£15,895

1.5L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,250

1.6L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Evelan Car Sales

02890023161 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TSI R 5dr

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lakeland Cars (NI) Ltd

02890023697 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI GTD (Leather) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (170 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,995

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Alpha Cars

01748900791 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,295

Finance available £208 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Abbey Car Sales Ltd

01134676312 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - e-Golf 5-Door

£9,595

43.0K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Premier Car Supermarket Ltd

01283241542 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R 300 5-Door

£12,499

Finance available £271 pm

2L
114.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

South Yorkshire Motors Ltd

01977802191 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 - 1.6 TDI Match Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,875

1.6L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Leicester Car Centre Ltd

01164648301 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,279

Finance available £374 pm

2L
17.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Store Northampton

01604343556 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (11) - Golf Gti 5-Door

£7,550

Finance available £146 pm

2L
46.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Trades

02039375129 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr Petrol Estate

Low Mileage

£16,197

1L
9.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Vertu Volkswagen Huddersfield

01484501073 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
97.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Grove Cars

01143089351 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

1.4L
20.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£22,698

1.5L
10.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Greenock

01475601914 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£22,698

1.5L
9.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (73) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£25,495

Finance available £503 pm

1.5L
12.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Andover Volkswagen

01264311662 *

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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