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.

5,140 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps

£11,749

2L
67.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

2.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
44.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 3dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£13,292

Finance available £275 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - R Tsi Dsg 5-Door

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

2L
77.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Meridian Motors Limited

01506376846 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - (SOLD)2.0 TDI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 s/s 150 ps[Tadley]

£12,994

Finance available £268 pm

2L
73.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Anchor Cars Tadley

01182078518 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£23,235

1.5L
12.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Peugeot Harlow

01279967334 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (150 ps

£5,095

Finance available £91 pm

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cheshire Motor Car Sales Ltd

01618042270 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,498

1L
36.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Wallsend Citroen / Peugeot / Jeep

01918237730 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
87.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

£20,500

Finance available £355 pm

2L
60.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 Golf GT BlueMotion Technology TDI 5dr

£5,395

Finance available £98 pm

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

£24,750

Finance available £488 pm

2L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273252 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,989

Finance available £513 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£10,995

1.6L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Baglan Car Centre

01639501146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr Manual

Reduced

£16,495

1.5L
13.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Aberdeen

01224451039 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,790

1.5L
36.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall SKODA Oxford

01865952020 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
48.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (59) - 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.4L
35.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

A7 Cars Ltd

01164787049 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Launch 3-Door

£3,950

Finance available £66 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

South West Salvage Ltd

01684211370 *

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

Low Mileage

£36,250

2L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall SEAT Braintree

01376312248 *

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 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

* 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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