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.

5,297 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£21,950

Finance available £430 pm

2L
36.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

IJ Motors & Commercials

02890023175 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Midlands Car Trader

01332325484 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£23,514

1.5L
22.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 Golf GT TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,110

Finance available £226 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 Golf R-Line eTSI Semi-Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
36.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Richlee Motor Company Rayleigh

01268219714 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£34,500

Finance available £688 pm

2L
3.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£5,650

Finance available £104 pm

1.6L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Sloan Cars

02890023215 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.4 TSI SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (122 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
83.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Redpath & Mclean Motor Ltd

01316036539 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£12,970

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£29,989

Finance available £570 pm

1.5L
25.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£23,650

Finance available £465 pm

2L
39.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr Hatchback

£11,586

1.5L
74.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Perrys Milton Keynes Peugeot

01908049752 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (150ps) Style EVO

Low Mileage

£16,850

Finance available £354 pm

1.5L
18.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

John Clark Skoda Dundee

01382279255 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps) Manual

Low Mileage

£18,499

Finance available £359 pm

1L
14.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Days Motorpark Swansea

01792739768 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,998

1.6L
43.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Greenock Used Car Centre

01475602098 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£12,250

Finance available £251 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cambridgeshire Motor House LTD

01733666971 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.4 TSI Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (122 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.4L
50.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sidney Jackson & Son Limited

01625704565 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,350

2L
72.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Honda Northampton

01604343516 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.5L
8.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kia (Kirkcaldy)

01592407412 *

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

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 2020)

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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year