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.

5,130 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 Golf R-Line eTSI Semi-Auto 5dr

£18,200

Finance available £330 pm

1.5L
40.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 - 1.9 TDI SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,495

1.9L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,000

2L
59.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark Skoda Dundee

01382279255 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Mike Wells Cars Ltd

01933421770 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - TSI EVO R-Line 5-Door

£14,495

1.5L
57.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI GT Edition 5dr DSG

£11,490

Finance available £234 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.4 Petrol (TSI), BlueMotion Tech, Match Edition, Hatchback, 5 Door, Manual

£7,199

1.4L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - TDI R-Line 5-Door

£15,995

2L
50.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TDi 140 BlueMotion Tech Match 5dr

£1,299

2L
179.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BUDGET CARS (NW) LTD

01614139818 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 3-Door

£4,250

2L
146.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

1.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,695

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Active 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,800

1.5L
11.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Loughborough

01509274556 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£24,800

Finance available £521 pm

1.5L
7.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - TDI Match Edition 5-Door

£14,995

2L
45.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (63) - 1.4 TSi DSG Automatic ESTATE 65000 Miles. PETROL ULEZ Free. PX OK 5-Door

Reduced

£6,895

Finance available £132 pm

1.4L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

mhas

02038056893 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - VOLKSWAGEN Golf 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hyb

Low Mileage

£14,750

1.4L
33.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Chiswick Honda

02038934344 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

SMCARS (LTD)

02830447097 *

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

Reduced

£26,750

2L
25.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Auto MC Limited TA Automotive Cars

01535280995 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

£28,300

Finance available £561 pm

2L
41.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,490

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 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

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 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.

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