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.

5,132 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2003 (03) - 1.9 S TDI 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

1.9L
154.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S&K Motors

01205335102 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 3dr

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

1.6L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Emerald Car Sales

02890023618 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.6L
41.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

2L
37.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£27,695

Finance available £548 pm

2L
7.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

TJ Hamilton & Co

02886273062 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,999

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
37.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Norwich

01332419206 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,099

Finance available £309 pm

1.5L
35.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£18,409

1.5L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - Style 1.5 eTSI 150ps 7-Speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£33,010

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MB Motors

02825440802 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) R-Line EVO MANUAL

Low Mileage

£21,795

Finance available £427 pm

1.5L
16.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Port Talbot)

01639501372 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2005 (55) - GTI 5-Door

Reduced

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

2L
73.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mayfield Garage

01435518133 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match 5-Door

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

1.6L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Caristocrat

01273093588 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£14,400

Finance available £250 pm

1.5L
40.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr [Leather]

£2,995

2L
164.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

THE CAR PEOPLE - NEATH

01639509759 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 - 1.4 Twist 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,795

1.4L
114.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Central Automotive

01522458044 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT 5dr

£12,199

Finance available £243 pm

1.5L
65.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Edition 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
85.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

KF Cars Supermaket

01416118777 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.2 TSI SE AUTOMATIC 5 DOOR HATCHBACK

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.2L
9.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ian Thomson Car Sales LTD

01343610884 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 Golf R TSi 4Motion Semi-Auto 4WD 5dr

£25,845

Finance available £510 pm

2L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

DH Specialist Cars Ltd ta Vogue Auto Group

01623703388 *

4.9/5 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 Present)

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 (2016 to 2020)

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
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

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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