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.

5,255 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion Tech Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,495

1.6L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mark Ross Motors

02892441151 *

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

£13,162

Finance available £272 pm

1.5L
58.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Parkland Motors

01509276004 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Devine Cars

02890023226 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,605

1.5L
19.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,293

1.5L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

£22,000

Finance available £382 pm

2L
55.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 Golf SE BlueMotion Technology TDI 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,490

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
19.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£18,300

Finance available £315 pm

1.5L
15.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 - 1.6 FSI S 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,895

1.6L
155.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,790

1.5L
41.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - MK8 Facelift 1.5 eTSI (150ps) Match DSG REAR CAM, REAR TINTS 5-Door

£25,990

1.5L
298.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£17,499

Finance available £361 pm

2L
37.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI GTI TCR DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£31,499

Finance available £627 pm

2L
42.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Magor Motor Company

01633741705 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

£16,199

Finance available £339 pm

2L
58.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 - TSI Comfortline Premium 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Magnum Motor Co

01252968428 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,498

1.5L
2.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Perth Vauxhall/Fiat/Abarth/Jeep/Leapmotor

01738230558 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 - 1.4 TSI 160 GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£4,250

Finance available £73 pm

1.4L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Buy It Now Auctions

01698537457 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI GTI TCR 290ps DSG 5Dr

£23,649

Finance available £475 pm

2L
55.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Swansway Honda Bolton

01204323443 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,695

2L
115.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Surecar Direct

01172447335 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 3dr

Reduced

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.6L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

S L Cars

01985800653 *

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 Present)

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 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

* 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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