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.

5,158 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

1.4L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arrow Motor Company

01325520199 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,000

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,995

1.6L
122.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Steve Newman Car Sales

01704337332 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,995

1.6L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£11,499

Finance available £220 pm

1.5L
58.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDI SE Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (105 ps)

£4,995

1.6L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Kemberton Car Sales

01952446073 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (59) - 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.4L
35.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

A7 Cars Ltd

01164787049 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style Edition 5dr

£18,149

1.5L
25.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£18,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
38.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) Touchscree

£14,750

Finance available £282 pm

1.5L
64.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 (74) - Life 1.5 TSI 115ps 6-Speed Manual 5 Door

Reduced

£21,990

1.5L
4.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

JPM Motors Ltd

02890023665 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£21,698

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£19,701

1.5L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Citroen Burton

01283243494 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 1.4 TSI S 5dr

Reduced

£2,195

1.4L
128.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AR Cars

01254947703 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£21,295

Finance available £472 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (72) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245

£21,500

Finance available £449 pm

1.4L
19.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,495

1.6L
131.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AMR Motors Limited

01484503310 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£19,750

Finance available £385 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Clive Hamilton Motors

02890023155 *

Volkswagen Golf1983 - Campaign 3-Door

£18,000

1.8L
59.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Classic Car Auctions

01926357467 *

3.5/5 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

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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.

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