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.

5,334 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Pinnacle Cars Ltd

01143086613 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£25,959

2L
5.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Hyundai Exeter

01392341625 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG Auto with Apple Carplay

Reduced

£19,650

2L
20.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Invicta Doves Horsham

01403338915 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

£20,498

2L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Aberdeen Mazda/Fiat/Abarth/Jeep/Leapmotor

01224451052 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 2.0 TDI GT (Leather) Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,495

2L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Titanium Cars

01752427285 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£36,298

2L
12.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Hillington Renault / Dacia / Alpine / Vanstore

01414068774 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

£25,450

Finance available £502 pm

2L
49.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CRL Motors Ltd

02890026902 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
43.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Performance Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£8,000

2L
122.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stephen Charles Cars

01473356761 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - R MK8 2.0 TSI 4Motion 320PS DSG 5 Dr

£30,995

2L
35.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

Volkswagen Golf1990 - 1.8 GTI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,990

1.8L
145.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carz-4-U

01733666885 *

3.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI GTD 3door

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
32.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rydon Car Sales Exeter

01392342738 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Hilton Car Sales

02890023656 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI 110 Match 5dr DSG

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
117.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

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

£19,299

Finance available £396 pm

1.5L
46.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TSI 333 R Black Edition 4Motion 5dr DSG

£42,698

2L
9.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI DSG 2020MY GTI Performance | Rear View Camera | Heated Seats 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,990

Finance available £510 pm

2L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT 5-Door

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

1.4L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TSI R 3dr

Low Mileage

£20,995

2L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bedford Specialist Cars

01234987610 *

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

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

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 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.

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.