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.

5,129 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2018 (67) - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr

£5,489

1.6L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BEECHES MOTOR ZONE LTD

01535280436 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5-Door

£22,197

Finance available £454 pm

1.5L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,999

Finance available £469 pm

2L
32.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 SE TSI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

1.4L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£16,499

1.5L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Kings Norton

01217288857 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TSI R 5dr

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lakeland Cars (NI) Ltd

02890023697 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

Low Mileage

£29,490

Finance available £585 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 1.9 TDI SE Euro 4 5dr

£1,750

1.9L
182.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Barry Bangers

02922679524 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£16,195

Finance available £353 pm

1L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,295

Finance available £275 pm

1.4L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Avenue Cars of Gloucester Ltd

01452227348 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

1.5L
18.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Andover Volkswagen

01264311662 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

2L
4.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,880

Finance available £221 pm

1.4L
72.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Traders

02037808158 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£15,140

1.5L
38.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Lincoln

01522467379 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr DSG

£6,999

1.6L
132.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

AYRSHIRE CAR TRADERS LTD

01292434534 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2005 (05) - 2.0T GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£3,595

2L
128.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

I & B CARS

01636554116 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Reduced

£21,490

1.5L
20.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Auto 5dr

£9,974

Finance available £201 pm

62.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

33.6K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Fife Mitsubishi Cupar

01334804281 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) R-Line EVO

Low Mileage

£21,395

1.5L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

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 (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 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.

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