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.

5,299 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
106.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

2 Good To Trade

01709917837 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.4 TSI GTE Advance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,295

1.4L
21.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£21,372

1.5L
9.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Newbury

01635959570 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

EVOLVE MOTOR GROUP LTD

01793680983 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TSI 333 R Black Edition 4Motion 5dr DSG

Reduced

£43,495

Finance available £873 pm

2L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

L A MOTORS

07393778079 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

Reduced

£21,999

Finance available £431 pm

2L
60.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly Motorstore Bangor

02891638497 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,744

1.5L
14.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Milton Keynes

01908926622 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

1.4L
66.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

A47 Car Sales Ltd

01945664308 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.4 TSI GTE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.4L
104.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

M & A Automotive Ltd

01506376848 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£18,291

1.5L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£16,440

2L
76.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£7,000

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Flexautos

01977801342 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI Style Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

1.5L
52.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Steven Eagell Toyota Peterborough

01733794268 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr [Nav]

£8,950

Finance available £178 pm

2L
83.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MH Motors

02890021687 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,985

Finance available £478 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,950

Finance available £312 pm

2L
46.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Clitheroe Road Car Sales

01282501662 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,000

Finance available £380 pm

2L
26.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,300

Finance available £307 pm

1.5L
37.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,491

Finance available £257 pm

1.6L
36.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vans Northwest Ltd

01942597950 *

4.6/5 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

lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lHUz0lVPyUY/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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 (2016 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 / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 44 - 57
Acceleration:: 6.3 - 10.8 seconds
Boot space:: 380 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Fastest
2.0 TSI GTI Moda 5dr 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.