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.

5,266 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£15,495

2L
80.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stoneacre Wolverhampton

01902916118 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion Tech Match 5dr

Reduced

£3,490

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

CF Car Sales

02921676471 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£22,876

1.5L
22.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

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 Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,994

Finance available £370 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BVG Automotive

01618048253 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.0 eTSI MHEV Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

£14,900

1L
53.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£16,790

Finance available £353 pm

1.5L
30.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Farnham Volkswagen

01252916356 *

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

£16,300

Finance available £273 pm

2L
32.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) - HEATED S

£18,112

Finance available £359 pm

1.5L
28.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Durham

01388217377 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2006 (56) - 2.0T GTI 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,250

Finance available £50 pm

2L
121.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOMOTIVE PRESTIGE LTD

01162162548 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
23.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,990

Finance available £296 pm

1.6L
32.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars2 Wakefield MG

01942365186 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Auto 5dr

£8,388

Finance available £165 pm

86.5K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,795

Finance available £174 pm

1.4L
84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Reduced

£12,599

1.5L
52.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

1.6L
41.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

CAR & CARS LTD

01506376863 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,698

1.5L
20.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Linwood Seat / Skoda / Cupra

01414736420 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Match 5dr DSG

Reduced

£25,990

1.5L
1.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,998

1L
19.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Motherwell)

01698538870 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

1.6L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MP Cars North West

01616949017 *

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 (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

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