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.

5,259 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr [Nav]

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

1.6L
73.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£15,049

Finance available £304 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01182078522 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£5,495

1.6L
98.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Palmers Citroen Watford

01923919096 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6L MATCH TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5d 103 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
94.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

N K Car Sales Ltd

01143086541 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line DSG 5-Door

£21,876

Finance available £448 pm

1.5L
28.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr

£11,890

1L
67.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£21,990

1.5L
20.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - HEATED S

Low Mileage

£20,658

Finance available £413 pm

1.5L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,000

Finance available £264 pm

1.5L
40.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,129

Finance available £371 pm

2L
38.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (65) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG

£10,988

Finance available £223 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

BJH Motors & Sons (Rainbow Hill)

01905676573 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

Low Mileage

£33,700

Finance available £594 pm

2L
14.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr**Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25'' high-resolution TF

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hailsham Motoring Centre

01323914685 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

1.4L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

K Motors London Ltd

02037587409 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,982

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
31.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Madeley Heath Motors

01782917194 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.4L PETROL

Low Mileage

£4,200

Finance available £72 pm

1.4L
32.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
People Carrier

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£11,319

Finance available £224 pm

1.4L
62.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr DSG

£13,998

1.5L
61.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Inverness Citroen / Peugeot / Vanstore

01463213058 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 2.0 TSI GPF GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£21,995

2L
42.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£14,998

2L
60.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat / Motorstore (Stourbridge)

01384883980 *

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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