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.

5,240 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI Style Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£12,995

2L
93.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Gallagher Cars LTD

02871226307 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.4L
81.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD Rare 3-dr Immaculate - Just 1 Former Keeper - 47k Miles FSH

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MW Performance

01244569177 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 2.0T GTI 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,440

2L
78.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Hammick Ltd

01277285891 *

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

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
80.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Divers Motors Company Ltd

01392537495 *

Volkswagen Golf(64) - 1.2 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5 dr

Low Mileage

£8,300

51.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jaky Motors

01274028369 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,699

1.5L
21.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.6L
38.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.4 0d

Low Mileage

£5,995

1.4L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD (Nav) Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,749

Finance available £307 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Arrow Motor Company

01325521616 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Manual

£19,295

2L
37.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.4 TSI SE Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,000

1.4L
94.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Trent Autos Ltd

01156976375 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI DSG R-Line | Heated Seats & Steering Wheel | App Connect 5-Door

£17,480

Finance available £366 pm

2L
59.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,645

1.6L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

LCC Car Sales Limited

01274028163 *

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

£27,485

Finance available £544 pm

2L
47.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

SERE Lisburn

02892791416 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,800

Finance available £302 pm

1.5L
72.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
24.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,998

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Seafield Motorstore / Vanstore

01316034404 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,000

2L
71.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Bridgend Ford

01656336637 *

4.6/5 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

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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 2016)

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.