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.

5,213 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,999

1.2L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kobe Trading UK Limited

01162165671 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 Golf GTi TSi Semi-Auto 5dr

£23,950

Finance available £471 pm

2L
48.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bournemouth Cars

01202051971 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr

£12,486

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Bolton Cupra

01204584566 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 - 1.4 TSI SE Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,990

1.4L
109.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

H & M Cars Limited

01917314493 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,490

1.5L
26.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall SEAT Braintree

01376312248 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,995

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SELECT CARS & COMMERCIALS

01582280231 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

£4,995

1.6L
111.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

OB Motors

01495367091 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kensington Car Group LTD

01642049640 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,786

Finance available £550 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr

£12,498

1.5L
65.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£16,268

1.5L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£16,995

Finance available £291 pm

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

C Russell Auto Sales Ltd

02844330222 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£13,550

1.5L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

M44 Car Sales

01616969770 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

£7,500

2L
120.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£25,872

1.5L
7.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,238

1.4L
18.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Honda Blackburn

01254781192 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Life DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

1.5L
80.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - GTI 2.0 TFSI HATCHBACK PETROL MANUAL 3 DOOR 198PS RARE 3 DOOR-40K MILES

Low Mileage

£11,995

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Smiley Car & Commercial Ltd

01206580387 *

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

£5,500

2L
152.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£19,690

Finance available £384 pm

2L
66.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greg Mitchell Motors

02881440365 *

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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