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.

5,193 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,698

1.6L
23.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Greenock

01475601914 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,499

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Forte Motors Ltd

01234237126 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£17,599

Finance available £363 pm

2L
28.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (65) - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ALPINE MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01382238351 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (65) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

1.4L
45.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

BSB CARS LTD

01158227473 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,990

Finance available £313 pm

1.4L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Redgate Lodge

01918144404 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - TSI R 20 Years 5-Door

£33,995

Finance available £678 pm

2L
30.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wheelers Chipping Norton

01608692663 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,950

Finance available £356 pm

2L
34.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£17,950

Finance available £348 pm

2L
92.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

IJ Motors & Commercials

02890023175 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.0 eTSI MHEV Life DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£15,990

Finance available £321 pm

1L
34.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Penton Peugeot Poole

01202117019 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RM Trade Sales

02890023693 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

£17,975

Finance available £349 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Sandwell Car Sales

01215160845 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
94.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Nick Bonar Cars

02893440727 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TSI 265 GTI 5dr DSG

Reduced

£34,990

Finance available £698 pm

2L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Camberley Volkswagen

01276543130 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - GTI TSI DSG 3-Door

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

carmotion

01452221219 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£11,199

Finance available £221 pm

1.4L
62.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£13,408

Finance available £260 pm

1.5L
47.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Durham

01388217377 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£14,250

1.4L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Cars2 Wakefield Hyundai

01924667154 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£12,002

1.4L
30.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Vauxhall Knaresborough

01423396245 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr DSG

Reduced

£5,650

Finance available £104 pm

1.4L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Affordable Motors

01216474040 *

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 (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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