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 Golf2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Black Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£31,990

1.5L
435.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£14,632

1.5L
51.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Taunton

01823211157 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars Of Conwy

01492525999 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.0 TSI Life 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,197

Finance available £369 pm

1L
8.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

CarSupermarket.com Hessle

01482947558 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£22,990

Finance available £452 pm

2L
17.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Six Ways Car Sales LTD

01554701631 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£12,895

Finance available £266 pm

1.5L
55.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,750

2L
30.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

PMA CARS

02890026896 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 - TDI GT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,995

2L
153.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ej's Cars Limited

01782432157 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,698

1.5L
31.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (East Kilbride)

01355203632 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - GTI Clubsport 40 2.0 TSI 5dr DSG for sale

Low Mileage

£23,950

Finance available £471 pm

2L
27.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

WFergusonCarSales

01697325138 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (61) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion 5dr

£3,395

1.6L
125.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sea View Car Centre

01202052309 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI GT (Leather) Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,781

2L
93.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BEN HODGSON CARS LTD

01228273236 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,795

1.6L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Paradise Motors

01366310982 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.0 Tsi Life Estate 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 110 Ps

£15,999

1L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Tustain Motors Haddington

01620670407 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto

Reduced

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

27.3K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

MW MOTOR GROUP LTD

01164784157 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 Golf GTi TSi 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,310

Finance available £342 pm

2L
58.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ryds Group Ltd

02038704048 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr

£11,982

1.5L
65.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mercedes-Benz of Huddersfield

01484240749 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI GT (Leather) Euro 5 5dr

£3,995

2L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

EVOLVE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01793680983 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,000

1.5L
21.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Stourbridge Motors

01384319482 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lHUz0lVPyUY/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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 Present)

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 (2016 to 2020)

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
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

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.