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.

5,333 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£20,498

1.5L
11.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Swansea

01414839956 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 1.6 Golf Match Edition TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,900

Finance available £221 pm

1.6L
38.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ceir Seiont Cars LTD

01248663519 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.4L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Assured Cars Scotland LTD Cumbernald

01316034391 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2dr

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

NJ Vehicle Solutions

01172331369 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£15,799

Finance available £324 pm

1.5L
39.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - GTI MK8 Facelift 2024 2.0 TSI (265ps) DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£34,990

2L
3.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Port Talbot)

01639501372 *

0/5 Stars

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

£27,950

Finance available £554 pm

2L
55.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly Bros Citroen (Dungannon)

02887440646 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

£2,595

1.4L
132.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ac Car Sales

01787320888 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.0 TSI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

1L
42.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£19,000

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
50.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£26,990

2L
25.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Auto MC Limited TA Automotive Cars

01535280995 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (150ps) Style EVO

Low Mileage

£19,695

1.5L
13.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Dunfermline

01383347079 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - MK7 Facelift 1.5 TSI GT Edition EVO 150PS DSG Automatic 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,200

1.5L
16.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 Golf GTD 3dr

£7,875

Finance available £154 pm

2L
116.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps) - KEYLESS ENTRY

£18,240

Finance available £362 pm

2L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI 272 GTE eHybrid 5dr DSG Automatic

£35,450

1.5L
4.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£20,982

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Doncaster Vauxhall

01302248564 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

2L
92.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.6L
41.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 Golf GT BlueMotion Technology TDI 5dr

£5,395

Finance available £98 pm

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

1.8/5 Stars

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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