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.

5,240 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,480

Finance available £256 pm

1.6L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AG Cars Loughborough Limited

01509278062 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,698

1.5L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Wishaw)

01698537718 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDi 105 S 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,000

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ali Autos

01616696757 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG

£6,575

Finance available £125 pm

1.4L
99.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Hunt

02476936615 *

3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£12,589

1.5L
62.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

£23,998

2L
16.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark York Motorstore / Vanstore

01904803322 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - MK8 Facelift 1.5 eTSI (150ps) R-Line DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£30,498

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Bridgend)

01656330795 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£22,498

1.5L
13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£10,099

1.4L
78.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line Edition 5dr DSG

£17,698

1.5L
50.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark SEAT/Cupra (Glasgow North)

01414839922 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style 5dr DSG

£19,798

1.4L
28.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Huddersfield)

01484506234 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (Z7) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) 1 FORM

Reduced

£14,795

1.5L
23.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 3dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,999

Finance available £472 pm

2L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

Volkswagen Golf2007 - 3.2 Golf R32 4WD 3dr

Low Mileage

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FS Performance Ltd

01582280332 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

£17,790

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

SM Specialist Cars Ltd

01234860417 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,270

1.5L
67.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2001 (51) - 1.6

Low Mileage

£1,995

1.6L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

Hamilton Motors

01562541393 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.0 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£17,295

1L
6.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Balmer Lawn SsangYong

02382543845 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£33,650

1.4L
5.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 (55) - DSG GTI 5-Door

Reduced

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

2L
73.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mayfield Garage

01435518133 *

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 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

* 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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