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.

5,320 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2003 (53) - 1.6 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£999

1.6L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cheap Cars and Vans

02039475176 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.2 TSI BLUEMOTION DSG AUTOMATIC ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Drive Japan

01416119962 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (150ps) Life EVO Manual

Low Mileage

£18,000

1.5L
22.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£26,795

Finance available £530 pm

2L
6.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

TJ Hamilton & Co

02886273062 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

£20,999

Finance available £438 pm

2L
46.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Birmingham

01217525223 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - ALLTRACK TDI BLUEMOTION TECH 4MOTION 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
36.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Odin Automotive Ltd

01306772237 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 35.8kWh e-Golf Auto 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

51.4K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

DERWENT MOTORS LTD

01332414504 *

Volkswagen Golf2003 (03) - 1.6 SE 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£1,995

1.6L
88.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Mintys Car Sales Ltd

01843269124 *

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - 1.4 S 5dr [AC]

Low Mileage

£2,495

1.4L
88.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Andy Hall Cars

01934318499 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£2,400

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mayfair Motors

01164029071 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (59) - 1.6 TDi S 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

1.6L
115.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sam Car Sales

01274059194 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

Reduced

£4,690

Finance available £82 pm

1.4L
114.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dean Smith Car Sales

01613887695 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - Hatch Style 1.5 TSI eHybrid 204ps 6-Speed DSG 5 Door Auto

£29,530

1.5L
5.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

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

£8,449

Finance available £166 pm

1.4L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - Life 1.5 TSI 130PS 6-speed Manual 5 Door Manual

Low Mileage

£18,728

1.5L
18.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2005 - 2.0 Golf GT TDI Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
137.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

1.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (59) - 2.0 TDI 140 Sportline 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

AURA CAR SALES LTD

01709212053 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,787

Finance available £611 pm

2L
13.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI 110 S 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
54.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cathedral Road Car Sales

02837440625 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,989

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
102.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Investments UK Ltd

01162165682 *

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 (2016 to 2020)

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
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

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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