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 Golf2009 (59) - 1.4 TSI S Euro 5 5dr

£1,495

1.4L
162.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - 17IN ALL

£19,412

Finance available £386 pm

1.5L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Durham

01388217377 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,975

Finance available £357 pm

1.5L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ballylisk Car Sales

02838298948 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

32.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Compact Car Centre Ltd

01216615579 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - STYLE TDI DSG 5-Door

£22,000

Finance available £431 pm

2L
24.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vic Young South Shields Limited

01916076221 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr DSG

£12,498

1.6L
74.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr Full service history, recent clutch and cambelt

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
105.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RobertsCarscouk

01352871761 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 3dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (30

£12,440

2L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,698

1.5L
29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 3dr

Low Mileage

£11,298

1.4L
33.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Stirling)

01786232264 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr DSG

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.4 TSI 150 GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MKS Car Sales Sinclair Street

01382213497 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr 184

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
103.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

WMA VEHICLE HIRE AND SALES LIMITED

01913002068 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
72.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Top Gear Motors

02881440371 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - eTSI MHEV Life 5-Door

£14,489

1.5L
86.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Clubsport 40 Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Paul Williamson Cars Ltd

01343612230 *

5/5 Stars

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

£15,100

Finance available £251 pm

2L
43.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - Golf Match Tdi Bluemotion Technology 5-Door

£2,995

1.6L
123.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Elms Car Sales Ltd

01278555741 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG 19' ESTORIL BLACK ALLOYS, PAN ROOF

£42,990

2L
1.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 - 1.6 TDI S Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (90 ps)

Low Mileage

£2,495

1.6L
108.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Shotts Motorz Ltd

01698538653 *

4.6/5 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

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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