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.

5,168 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£15,998

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

1.6L
60.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Blackline Motors Ltd

01618042356 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - R MK8 2.0 TSI 4Motion 320PS DSG 5 Dr

Low Mileage

£34,995

2L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,100

Finance available £136 pm

1.4L
104.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SR Motors

01793268063 *

Volkswagen GolfTDI Match

Low Mileage

£2,298

79.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Blackwood Used Car Ltd

02890021467 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£34,995

Finance available £698 pm

2L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£19,000

Finance available £370 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Shop

01217288893 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2005 - 1.6 FSI S 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,895

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

1.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5TSi [150] Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,495

Finance available £421 pm

1.5L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Southbridge Garage

01334230043 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
40.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Trelawnyd Car Sales

01745772310 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£17,998

1.5L
24.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark SEAT/Cupra (Glasgow North)

01414839922 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI Style Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£24,499

Finance available £536 pm

2L
12.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Thurlow Nunn Norwich

01603337183 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£13,699

Finance available £284 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 5dr 1.5 eTSi R-Line DSG Automatic

Low Mileage

£21,495

1.5L
25.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Frosts Used Cars Shoreham-by-Sea

01273093609 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,990

1.5L
14.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Nuneaton

02476930658 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI GPF GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£19,599

2L
52.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,950

Finance available £451 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stringers of Petersfield

01730779314 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£15,900

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GT Edition 5dr

£8,795

Finance available £174 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Orchard Mill Motor Company

01225436003 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£23,999

Finance available £524 pm

2L
35.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Hendy Kia Eastleigh

02380017233 *

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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