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.

5,318 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Reduced

£32,450

£471/pm (PCP)

2L
17.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr

£10,495

£212/pm (HP)

2L
84.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rapid Car Sales Scotland LTD

01887443053 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI 150 GT Edition 5dr

£6,995

£134/pm (HP)

1.4L
113.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elite Motor Group LTD

01782389098 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,999

£370/pm (PCP)

1.5L
22.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,049

£456/pm (PCP)

2L
8.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£8,300

£163/pm (HP)

2L
80.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Shahz Cars Ltd

01525308852 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (11) - 1.4 TSI SE DSG Euro 5 5dr

£7,749

£151/pm (HP)

1.4L
20.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

£20,010

1.5L
28.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Evans Halshaw Ford Burnley

01282503246 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (30

Reduced

£19,995

£390/pm (HP)

2L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,098

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.6 TDI SE Euro 5 3dr

Low Mileage

£2,999

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Safe Cars

01234861497 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI R 5-Door

£20,995

£354/pm (PCP)

2L
75.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Opus Automotive Cars Ltd

01422411402 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£19,299

£310/pm (PCP)

1.4L
48.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£14,990

1.5L
45.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO GPF R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,500

1.5L
85.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hamlet Cars

01707932620 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£27,695

10.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2001 (Y) - 2.0 GTi 3dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Volkservice

01253209357 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,450

£309/pm (PCP)

2L
19.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

HILLVIEW MOTORS Ltd

02890023629 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£18,895

£332/pm (PCP)

1.5L
38.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

£9,450

£189/pm (HP)

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

McCartney Motors

02828440356 *

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 (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

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