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.

5,115 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Life Auto 5 Dr

Low Mileage

£18,495

1.5L
9.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.4 TSI SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£4,490

1.4L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SUMMIT AUTOMOTIVE HUDDERSFIELD LTD

01484240497 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

1.4L
81.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cantilever Car Centre

01925917573 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,349

Finance available £354 pm

1.5L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

£11,895

Finance available £243 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hynes Motors

02890023625 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,300

1.5L
51.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,295

Finance available £208 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Abbey Car Sales Ltd

01134676312 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - SE NAVIGATION TSI EVO 5-Door

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
89.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£25,250

Finance available £498 pm

2L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stringers of Petersfield

01730779314 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion Tech Match 5dr

£5,995

1.6L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Three Pines Garage Limited

01885477786 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - SE NAVIGATION TSI EVO 5-Door

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.5L
76.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Southwest Motor Company

01752982529 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£21,498

1.5L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Stirling)

01786232264 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 3dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

£19,100

2L
60.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Stockton-on-Tees

01642937613 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD (Nav) Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (18

£12,591

Finance available £259 pm

2L
75.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Bedfordshire Car Sales

01234987567 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£19,750

Finance available £385 pm

2L
34.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Clive Hamilton Motors

02890023155 *

Volkswagen Golf2002 - V5 5-Door

Reduced

£4,495

2.3L
91.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Maylands Car Sales

01442504328 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£21,173

1.5L
16.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - R-Line 2.0 TDI 150ps 7-Speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£30,357

2L
1.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (63) - 2.0 TSI GTI DSG (S/S) 5 dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
73.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

UK MOTORS N LIMITED

01162165638 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,395

Finance available £188 pm

2L
67.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Campbell Trade Sales

02890023194 *

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 (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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