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.

5,256 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£12,450

Finance available £256 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

J.A.Hegarty Motors

02890023678 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

£24,000

Finance available £412 pm

2L
26.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,295

Finance available £297 pm

1.5L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wrights Motors

01366310748 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£18,500

Finance available £383 pm

1.5L
50.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr DSG

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.6L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr

Reduced

£4,895

Finance available £87 pm

1.6L
124.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

M.J.S Cars LTD

02890023227 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£23,404

2L
43.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 1.6 TDI Match 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,295

Finance available £118 pm

1.6L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JM Cars Cornwall

01736804070 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (63) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6

£9,775

Finance available £196 pm

2L
99.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mersea Car Sales

01206489531 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£6,450

Finance available £122 pm

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SM Auto Sales

02890026930 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI 272 GTE eHybrid 5dr DSG

£39,990

1.5L
150.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£14,499

Finance available £302 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - Style 5dr 1.5 TSI 130PS Manual

£15,999

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
46.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Days of Gorseinon

01792739750 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 2.0TDI (150PS) R-Line DSG

Low Mileage

£26,995

2L
5.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark Volkswagen Aberdeen

01224454474 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
43.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Suitor Autos

02890026903 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,139

Finance available £350 pm

1.5L
17.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Store Manchester

01616944756 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,949

Finance available £324 pm

1.5L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01482697731 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,750

Finance available £352 pm

1.5L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Grayswood Cars

01428771375 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,100

Finance available £299 pm

1.5L
23.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps) FULL SERVICE HIS

£13,695

2L
92.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

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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