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 Golf2014 (14) - AUTOMATIC GT TSI ACT BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5-Door

£7,495

1.4L
129.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (64) - 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech S Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (85 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,495

1.2L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Nottinghamcar com

01156848096 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
92.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dereham Motor Company ltd

01362700376 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (12) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£14,295

Finance available £297 pm

2L
64.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cleveland Vehicle Sales Ltd

01642424874 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhouse (Beds) Ltd

01234676818 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,450

Finance available £166 pm

1.6L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

J.D AUTOS NI Ltd

02890023680 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI GT Cabriolet 2dr Petrol DSG Euro 5 (160 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.4L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Baskeyfield Motors Limited

01782917824 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (64) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG

Reduced

£7,200

Finance available £139 pm

2L
92.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

VHM Auto LTD

01216618540 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 3.2 V6 R32 DSG 4Motion 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,994

Finance available £179 pm

3.2L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.4L PETROL

Low Mileage

£4,700

Finance available £83 pm

1.4L
51.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

1.5L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£17,250

Finance available £334 pm

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Amanah Prestige Limited

02038235352 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£14,849

Finance available £300 pm

1.5L
47.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01513174824 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (63) - TSI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,595

Finance available £147 pm

1.4L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

LONDON MOTORS&MOTORS LTD

01753291085 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI GT Edition ACT 150PS DSG 5Dr

Low Mileage

£13,242

1.4L
50.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,745

Finance available £385 pm

1L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ballyrobert at Mallusk

02890021668 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,950

Finance available £178 pm

1.6L
81.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JRS Commercials & Cars

02887441404 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,395

Finance available £210 pm

2L
93.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,150

Finance available £338 pm

1.5L
10.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT Edition 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£18,919

1.5L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Leeds

01134676309 *

4.7/5 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 (2016 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 / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 44 - 57
Acceleration:: 6.3 - 10.8 seconds
Boot space:: 380 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Fastest
2.0 TSI GTI Moda 5dr 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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