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.

5,183 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.4 S Euro 5 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,280

1.4L
91.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AG Cars Loughborough Limited

01509278062 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

Reduced

£7,000

1.6L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DCX Car Sales

02890023222 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (67) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£9,000

1.5L
84.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fusion Motors Limited

01375808581 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr DSG

£6,795

1.6L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

J&M Cars Antrim

02879440954 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

M & A Automotive Ltd

01506376848 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT R-Line Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

1.4L
24.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

CASTLE MOTOR HUB LTD

01530443591 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,440

Finance available £358 pm

1.5L
46.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Select Motors GB

02037808222 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) Manual

Low Mileage

£17,500

1.5L
11.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dinnages Ford Haywards Heath

01444221466 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (150ps) R-Line EVO

Low Mileage

£18,990

1.5L
23.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps

Low Mileage

£12,299

1.6L
41.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Atherton

01942597176 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,890

Finance available £266 pm

1.5L
46.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£25,000

2L
29.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark MINI Aberdeen

01224453648 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI R 3dr pan roof FSH

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Y S Motors

01494928876 *

3.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
53.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MJM Car Sales

01833600271 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.2 TSI BLUEMOTION DSG AUTOMATIC ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

1.2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Drive Japan

01416119962 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - GTI MK8 Facelift 2024 2.0 TSI (265ps) DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£35,000

2L
2.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Reduced

£37,980

Finance available £760 pm

2L
4.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,195

1.6L
105.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

R&J Trade Car Outlet Limited

01484503203 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.4 tsi bluemotion DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.4L
66.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Cardiff Motors

02921921384 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 Golf TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,995

2L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

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

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.

View guides

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