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.

5,203 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£14,498

1.5L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Winsford)

01606531928 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,000

Finance available £482 pm

1.5L
9.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 3dr

£1,995

2L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£6,995

1.6L
124.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Anwick Car Sales

01526809673 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£22,670

Finance available £445 pm

2L
39.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hippo Motor Group Peterborough

01733666887 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI GTD Euro 5 5dr

£2,795

2L
149.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

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

£4,695

1.6L
121.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£23,498

1.5L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.4L
49.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£17,998

1.5L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Wigan)

01942597310 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.4 Golf SE Nav TSi BlueMotion Technology 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

1.4L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DAB Cars Ltd

01614139848 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - Match 1.5 TSI 150ps 6-Speed Manual 5 Door Manual

£21,320

1.5L
17.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 Golf Style TSi 5dr

Reduced

£10,888

Finance available £221 pm

1.5L
101.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Penny Hill Motors

01276538675 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

2L
53.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.6 TDI Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£14,290

Finance available £285 pm

1.6L
38.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Penton Citroen Salisbury

01722445449 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr

£11,081

1L
69.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,591

Finance available £259 pm

1.6L
36.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vans Northwest Ltd

01942597950 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,695

2L
115.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI SE Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,490

1.6L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Chesterton Motor Group Ltd

01709223124 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) R-Line EVO

Low Mileage

£20,495

1.5L
18.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

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 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 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.

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