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.

5,245 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

£2,650

1.4L
125.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

KSS Cars Ltd

01279212249 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 Golf GTD TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

2L
103.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Warwickshire Prestige Cars

02475105246 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,194

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

£26,490

1.5L
6.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£15,945

Finance available £258 pm

2L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

George O'Hara Motors

02877440245 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,995

1.6L
84.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TSI R 3dr

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
55.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MW Performance

01244569177 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr

£2,490

1.6L
169.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

2k Motor Group

01733797035 *

Volkswagen GolfGTI ULEZ compliant 5-Door

Reduced

£8,995

2L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Atlan Motors (London) Ltd

02038895374 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr

Reduced

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BS Motors

02890021699 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Reduced

£20,000

Finance available £390 pm

2L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Northants Van Centre

01933839540 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Reduced

£20,498

1.5L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) Life EVO Manual

Low Mileage

£20,267

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

£30,500

Finance available £529 pm

2L
20.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr DSG AUTO

£5,450

1.4L
138.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

CARS4YOU

01274089739 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) Life EVO + 17' VENTURA ALLOYS/TINTED GLA

Low Mileage

£18,499

1.5L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,741

1.5L
19.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,795

2L
125.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

R And R Trade Cars Ltd

01494311448 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

2L
102.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AMC Car Sales

01212722821 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI R-Line Edition 5dr DSG

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

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 (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

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