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.

5,194 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

£22,450

Finance available £441 pm

2L
43.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (10) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£9,195

Finance available £183 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,998

1.5L
5.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Peugeot (Glasgow)

01414736424 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps) - KEYLESS ENTRY

£24,183

Finance available £497 pm

2L
32.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 Tsi Evo 150 Match 5Dr

Low Mileage

£13,685

1.5L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lookers CAR HUB South Shields

01916077192 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£12,420

1.5L
54.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Nissan Halifax

01422411360 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (LB) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Cabriolet 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,495

1.6L
34.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Ceir Phil Williams Ltd

01554701078 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr Diesel Hatchback

£10,014

1.6L
82.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Peugeot Northampton

01604343506 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf1988 - 8V 3-Door

£14,000

1.8L
46.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Classic Car Auctions

01926357467 *

3.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£25,649

Finance available £540 pm

2L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Sheffield

01143086607 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

41.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Gatwick Motor World

01444222210 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Estate 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,195

1.5L
81.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps) ONLY 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,500

Finance available £235 pm

1.4L
32.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sandford Garage

01779401060 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

2L
71.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,498

1.6L
53.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Greenock

01475601914 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,540

Finance available £236 pm

1.4L
50.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback Auto 5dr

£13,799

Finance available £286 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AW Car House Ltd

01827213842 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Active 5dr DSG

£16,950

Finance available £290 pm

2L
79.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

IJ Motors & Commercials

02890023175 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - VW GOLF GTI GTD 2.0 DIESEL MANUAL 5 DOOR

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

MJD LTD T/A Carbrooke Cars

01953661455 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI 150 life 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,795

Finance available £468 pm

1.5L
2.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Drift Bridge Volkswagen Epsom

01372238273 *

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.

View guides

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