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.

5,110 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 5dr

Reduced

£1,950

1.6L
159.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

NSG Cars

01709212041 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,798

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£19,271

1.5L
21.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Honda Clitheroe

01200409818 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Style Edition 5dr

£22,298

1.5L
34.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 3dr

£10,450

Finance available £211 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Pro X

02895908086 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

£7,995

1.6L
93.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,298

1.5L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£16,500

1.5L
39.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£17,490

Finance available £339 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenhill Autos

01386573316 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,481

Finance available £122 pm

1.2L
83.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Auto 5dr

£9,974

Finance available £201 pm

62.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,327

Finance available £600 pm

2L
13.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Reduced

£19,895

Finance available £439 pm

2L
41.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (10) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 3dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£10,500

Finance available £212 pm

2L
89.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stockport Car Supermarket

01612416384 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (220 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,750

2L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stellantis &You Bristol Cribbs Causeway

01172331393 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
70.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

CarBrothers NI

02894339938 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,950

1.4L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

JRS Commercials & Cars

02887441404 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£16,151

1L
27.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Nottingham South

01156977747 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,899

Finance available £340 pm

1.5L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Thurlow Nunn Beccles

01502440598 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£16,522

1.5L
36.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

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 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 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.

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