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.

5,106 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£19,250

Finance available £375 pm

2L
38.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Clive Hamilton Motors

02890023155 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE [Nav] 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
44.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match Edition 5dr

£11,698

1.6L
72.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Stirling)

01786232264 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

Reduced

£22,450

Finance available £441 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Revitupukcom

01244268811 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£9,975

Finance available £201 pm

1.6L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sean O'Hara Cars

02890026918 *

Volkswagen Golf2004 (04) - 1.6 FSI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

1.6L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Southend Auto Sales Ltd

01702908029 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (66) - 1.2 TSi DSG Automatic 79,900 Miles. CAMERA. 5dr hatchback ULEZ Free. PX OK

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

1.2L
79.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

mhas

02038056893 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI Match DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,350

1.6L
100.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

HKW Car Sales Ltd

01616967899 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - Estate 1.5 TSI (EVO) DSG 2020MY Match Edition 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,991

1.5L
32.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,490

Finance available £359 pm

1.5L
23.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mervyn Stewart Used Select

02895908140 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

GDH Car Sales

01403330806 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI Match DSG Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£4,980

1.6L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vision Motors Direct - Haydock

01942367552 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,600

Finance available £287 pm

1.5L
40.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG

Reduced

£13,995

Finance available £247 pm

1.4L
70.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

M.J.S Cars LTD

02890023227 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£20,401

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£26,490

Finance available £524 pm

2L
6.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - Match TSI 1.4 122 PS BMT 5-Door

£7,495

1.4L
84.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dapper Motors

01745776770 *

5/5 Stars

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

£13,690

Finance available £284 pm

2L
84.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SR Motors

01793268063 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£13,999

Finance available £282 pm

2L
72.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 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 (2016 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 / 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

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

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