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.

5,153 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

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

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorhouse (Beds) Ltd

01234676818 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr DSG

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match Edition 5dr

£11,149

Finance available £220 pm

1.6L
71.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.6L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Rodden Road Cars

01373481367 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£28,998

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

1.4L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hounslow Cars Ltd

02039537374 *

2.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (61) - 1.4 TSI DSG AUTOMATIC ULEZ 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,990

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
41.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Left Hand Drive Place

01256679126 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Active 5dr

£18,995

1.5L
26.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Oxford

01865597492 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
138.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£24,023

Finance available £525 pm

2L
31.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,490

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Lancashire Autos LTD

01254457567 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 Tsi R Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 150 Ps

Low Mileage

£19,599

1.5L
26.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tustain Motors Cramlington

01670335009 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,176

Finance available £368 pm

1.5L
11.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) R-Line EVO

£18,556

1.5L
38.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 - 1.6 TDi 5-Door

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Youngs Motors

02890026948 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,500

1.4L
60.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hamlet Cars

01707932620 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£22,491

1.4L
20.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - GT 2.0 TDI BMT 140PS 6-speed DSG Automatic 2-Door

Low Mileage

£13,713

2L
23.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Convertible

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,750

Finance available £218 pm

2L
44.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eric Ellis Jones Brynsiriol Garage

01970600366 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,795

Finance available £152 pm

1.6L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

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 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

* 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