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.

5,248 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2011 (60) - 2.0 TDi 140 Match 5dr

£1,895

2L
157.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S S AUTOS

01274059203 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,392

2L
9.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,698

2L
26.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Armadale Citroen / Vanstore

01501640622 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4MOTION Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
71.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

AQS CAR SPECIALISTS

01733306260 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

1.5L
52.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perry Road Autos

01621734653 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,499

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Forte Motors Ltd

01234237126 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI Match DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
83.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Lane Cars Ltd

01942559253 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI Life DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,400

Finance available £232 pm

2L
111.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Formby Car Centre

01515410426 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 1.9 Match TDI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£2,695

1.9L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AMICAS GROUP LTD

01274028401 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO GPF GT Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,149

Finance available £318 pm

1.5L
21.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brookmans Motor Group

01707242293 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£14,770

1.5L
53.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style 5dr DSG

£19,849

Finance available £408 pm

1.4L
37.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01733309722 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 3-Door

Low Mileage

£7,250

2L
81.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Southern Motion Ltd

01227230560 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto

£11,998

6.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Carlisle Motorstore / Vanstore

01228276696 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr Manual

Reduced

£16,499

Finance available £346 pm

1.5L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Warehouse Swansea

01792001637 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

1.4L
26.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (61) - 2.0 TDI GTD (Leather) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (170 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,995

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Jefferies Car Centre Ltd

01373489224 *

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

£1,495

1.4L
162.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 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

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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