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.

5,260 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

1.5L
47.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

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 Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£10,995

1.6L
75.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Baglan Car Centre

01639501146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr [Leather]

£2,250

2L
197.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Reilly Motors

02871220942 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£34,500

Finance available £688 pm

2L
3.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,200

Finance available £302 pm

1.5L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,998

1.5L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Wigan)

01942597310 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - SE TSI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.4L
110.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

A R Used Cars Ltd

01280730307 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£26,950

Finance available £533 pm

1.4L
8.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ATA CARS LTD

02037808889 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Automatic

Low Mileage

£22,790

Finance available £448 pm

1.5L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Neyland)

01646400240 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

£8,385

Finance available £168 pm

1.6L
97.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£11,299

Finance available £230 pm

18.3K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£3,250

Finance available £50 pm

1.6L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RM Traders

01780430645 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 Golf R TSi 4Motion Semi-Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£36,750

Finance available £734 pm

2L
6.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

torquepoint

01908765737 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.4 TSI S Cabriolet 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (122 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
54.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Baskeyfield Motors Limited

01782917824 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - LIFE TSI 5-Door

£21,250

Finance available £416 pm

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vic Young South Shields Limited

01916076221 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (0M) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (230 ps)

£13,695

Finance available £284 pm

2L
85.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sheffield Car Centre Ltd

01144786513 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (11) - 1.4 TSI SE DSG Euro 5 5dr

£8,449

Finance available £166 pm

1.4L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.3/5 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 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 (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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