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.

5,132 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI Life Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£15,000

Finance available £251 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG Auto

£28,649

2L
39.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£14,299

Finance available £288 pm

1.6L
42.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£15,795

Finance available £331 pm

2L
44.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jackson Car Sales

01362700945 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,698

1.5L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leyland)

01772283744 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TSI GTI Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,800

Finance available £345 pm

2L
48.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Autohaven Motors Ltd

01494311306 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Reduced

£8,200

Finance available £161 pm

1.4L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - MATCH TSI DSG+72K MILES ONLY+AUTOMATIC+ONE OWNER FROM NEW+FULL VW HISTORY+3 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,410

Finance available £121 pm

1.4L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

GL1 Car Sales

01452224639 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 Golf Clubsport GTi TSi Semi-Auto 5dr

£26,490

Finance available £558 pm

2L
36.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

City Motors (Cambs) Ltd

01733666873 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MOTOR TREND LTD

01494296076 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
46.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2-Door

£2,995

1.6L
135.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

NATIONAL VEHICLE SUPPLIERS LTD

01182270649 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr Sat Nav Parking sensors

Reduced

£20,000

1.5L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

County Motorparks Chelmsford

01245678762 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£22,899

Finance available £489 pm

2L
17.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
25.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AHC CAR SALES LTD

01135123659 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.0 SE NAVIGATION TSI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY DSG 5d 109 BHP 5-Door

£11,149

Finance available £213 pm

1L
64.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,990

1.5L
41.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 Golf GTD Semi-Auto 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
83.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Love Car Deals

01923979148 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,900

Finance available £65 pm

1.6L
65.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Leos Garage LTD

01312874294 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - Style 1.5 eTSI 150ps 7-Speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£33,010

1.5L
3.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

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 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 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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