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.

5,131 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,998

1.5L
21.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore / BYD (Linwood)

01414736404 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.0 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

£11,895

Finance available £243 pm

1L
88.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£14,298

2L
93.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Nottingham Motorstore / Vanstore

01158964024 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

1.6L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Frank Wray Cars Ltd

02890023624 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI GTD (Leather) Euro 5 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

HP Autogrange LTD

01452227339 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£24,950

Finance available £492 pm

1.5L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£23,498

2L
23.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mercedes-Benz of Aberdeen

01224678298 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - 3.2 V6 R32 4MOTION 5dr Manual

Reduced

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

3.2L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

St Andrews Autos

01245951119 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG (APPLE CAR PLAY, PRIVACY GLASS)

£23,488

2L
42.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 Golf R TSi 4Motion Semi-Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£36,750

Finance available £734 pm

2L
6.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

torquepoint

01908765737 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - GTI PERFORMANCE DSG 5-Door

£14,975

Finance available £312 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JMV

01634564263 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (230 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,970

2L
55.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,695

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
50.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Gary White Car Sales

02890021986 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr

£15,999

Finance available £328 pm

1L
32.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

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

£22,788

Finance available £457 pm

2L
40.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.0 TSI 110 SE [Nav] 5dr

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Forge Garage

01473927595 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

£16,998

2L
57.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore/Hyundai (Inverness)

01463217984 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£15,999

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
35.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 Golf Match TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
51.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,445

Finance available £278 pm

1.4L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

JC Autos London Ltd

02037286419 *

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 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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