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.

5,242 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£26,990

1.5L
388.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (68) - 1.0 TSI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,890

1L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,998

2L
22.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Ayr)

01292431668 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,299

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Invicta Doves Horsham

01403338915 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£9,495

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Trade Cars Moy

02887447994 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,212

1.5L
28.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr DSG

£8,150

Finance available £160 pm

1.6L
96.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI SE BLUEMOTION TECH 5 DOOR (ULEZ COMPLIANT)

Reduced

£5,750

1.4L
95.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Blackrock Motors

01923927525 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion Tech Match 5dr

£2,795

1.6L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Portrack Budget Cars

01642987069 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,998

1.5L
15.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat / Motorstore (Stourbridge)

01384883980 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

1.6L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Frank Wray Cars Ltd

02890023624 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (62) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,830

1.4L
94.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Greenshow Motors Ltd

01727221046 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,956

1.5L
28.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps) 1 FORMER OW

Low Mileage

£13,995

1.6L
34.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£20,998

1.5L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£2,650

1.6L
169.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

2k Motor Group

01733797035 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TSI 333 R 20 Years 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£40,990

Finance available £822 pm

2L
3.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (230 ps)

£13,649

Finance available £265 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Aylesbury

01296320383 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match 5dr

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (Z7) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,800

Finance available £420 pm

1.5L
21.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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 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 (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 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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