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.

5,087 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,649

Finance available £361 pm

1.5L
35.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr

Reduced

£17,998

1.5L
3.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leyland)

01772283744 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI GT (Leather) Euro 5 5dr

£3,395

2L
153.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dereham Motor Company ltd

01362700376 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£22,950

Finance available £451 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Revitupukcom

01244268811 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (15

Low Mileage

£12,128

Finance available £254 pm

2L
63.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£16,499

Finance available £346 pm

2L
70.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI S 5dr

£2,995

1.4L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£11,950

Finance available £245 pm

1.5L
92.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

C Russell Auto Sales Ltd

02844330222 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 2.0T GTI 5dr Full Service History, Recent Cambelt

£3,495

2L
180.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Woodland Autos

01635015938 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TSI GTI 3dr [Performance Pack]

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
104.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Evelan Car Sales

02890023161 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly Ballymena Motorstore

02825447459 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 Tsi 150 Style Edition 5Dr

Low Mileage

£21,729

1.5L
3.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Volkswagen Northallerton

01609710554 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£5,499

Finance available £101 pm

1.6L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MDLUXEAUTO

01162166642 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI 150 Style Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,490

Finance available £400 pm

1.5L
16.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Farnham Volkswagen

01252916356 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.0 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,175

Finance available £236 pm

1L
44.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI Match Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£3,188

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Class Auto Ltd

01254947714 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI R-Line Edition 5dr DSG

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,900

Finance available £199 pm

1.6L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

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 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 (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

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