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.

5,213 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 Golf SE BlueMotion Technology TDI 5dr

£5,470

Finance available £100 pm

2L
103.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£18,956

1.5L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - R TSI 1 FORMER KEEPER FULL SERVICE HISTORY 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,750

Finance available £406 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Premium Car Collection Ltd

01143086549 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr DSG

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.6L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Moy Auto Services

02887448024 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Reduced

£12,599

1.5L
52.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,199

1.5L
65.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion Tech SE 5dr

£4,995

1.6L
149.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lowes of Larne Ltd

02828440130 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£15,813

1.5L
64.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Lincoln

01522467379 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.0 eTSI MHEV Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

£18,725

Finance available £336 pm

1L
2.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - GT EDITION TDI BMT - PANORAMIC SUNROOF - APPLE CARPLAY -£35 ROAD TAX 5-Door

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
107.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr DSG

Reduced

£15,998

1.5L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Renault/Dacia (Glasgow)

01416118316 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 Twist 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,925

1.4L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SW Motors

01784771195 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,450

Finance available £379 pm

2L
19.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

HILLVIEW MOTORS Ltd

02890023629 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 1.4 TSI S 5dr

Reduced

£2,195

1.4L
128.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AR Cars

01254947703 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£31,995

Finance available £637 pm

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

L A MOTORS

07393778079 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 R 5d 298 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

2L
57.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

BRG AutoHub

02891249536 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr

Reduced

£7,995

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

McCague Motors

02890023778 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI Life Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Reduced

£16,145

2L
33.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI 130ps Style Ed EVO

Low Mileage

£21,492

1.5L
9.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr MANUAL

Reduced

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

1.5L
29.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Warehouse Bridgend

01656336621 *

4.4/5 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 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

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