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.

5,138 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£15,784

1.5L
47.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

Volkswagen Golf(12) - 2.0 TDI GT (Leather) Euro 5 3dr

£3,895

Finance available £65 pm

115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

A1 Car Shop Ltd

01462412937 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr

Reduced

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
139.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fusion Autos LTD

02921676819 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
110.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

VALENTINO MOTORS LTD

02039375355 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,550

Finance available £124 pm

1.6L
91.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cathedral Road Car Sales

02837440625 *

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 Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2-Door

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Norton Automotive

01296325323 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£30,998

2L
21.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,997

Finance available £300 pm

1.6L
30.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI 140 Sportline 5dr

£3,750

Finance available £61 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Mike Bass

01884211283 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - MK8 Facelift Match 1.5 TSI 150PS Hatch 5 Door

£23,290

1.5L
15.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf(17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

102.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

The Drivers Gallery Ltd

01572491189 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£15,980

Finance available £335 pm

1L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£22,298

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,503

Finance available £467 pm

2L
23.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,195

Finance available £94 pm

2L
118.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RISHTON AUTO CARE LIMITED

01254919190 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (65) - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ALPINE MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01382238351 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,863

1.5L
18.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG Auto

£23,454

2L
48.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Newbury

01635959570 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (18) - SE NAV

Low Mileage

£9,900

Finance available £199 pm

1.2L
48.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

Global prestige vehicles ltd

02039467618 *

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 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 (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

* 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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