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.

5,175 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£23,498

2L
50.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (64)

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
50.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

Your Motor Company

01313702493 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£5,195

Finance available £94 pm

1.6L
99.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG(ULEZ COMPLIANT 6 MONTHS FREE WARRANTY)

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
62.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Glasgow Vehicle Sales Ltd

01412866661 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Silver 2dr Cabriolet

Low Mileage

£4,295

1.6L
71.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

RG Motors Ltd

01522467376 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
47.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Silverstone Cars Limited

01708206414 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.4 TSI S Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG (139 g/km, 123 bhp)

Low Mileage

£5,500

1.4L
83.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr [Nav]

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

2L
91.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SNG MOTORS

02890026877 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - MK8 Facelift R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS Hatch 5 Dr Automatic

Reduced

£28,000

1.5L
2.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr

£9,950

2L
94.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Evelan Car Sales

02890023161 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£32,990

Finance available £657 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,998

1.5L
7.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Broxburn Seat / Fiat

01506532870 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£17,564

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
61.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr [Leather]

Reduced

£2,495

2L
164.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

THE CAR PEOPLE - NEATH

01639509759 *

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

Low Mileage

£13,990

1.6L
30.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG Automatic

£16,000

1.4L
75.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 Tsi 150 Life 5Dr

£16,939

Finance available £284 pm

1.5L
30.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lookers CAR HUB Star City

01212707160 *

Volkswagen Golf2001 (Y) - Avantgarde 2.0 Auto 2-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

2L
125.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Townsends of Rugby Ltd

01788221946 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

33.0K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Fz Automotive Group

01422415953 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 1.6 FSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,499

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Safe Cars

01234861497 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lHUz0lVPyUY/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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 (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 3dr 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.