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.

5,266 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr

£18,398

1L
14.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Stoke on Trent Vauxhall / Peugeot / Vanstore

01782432080 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£22,498

1.5L
12.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Wishaw)

01698537718 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£15,450

Finance available £323 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Match 5dr DSG

£29,295

6.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414736428 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
117.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Oakways Car Sales

01217525803 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match 5-Door

Reduced

£5,700

Finance available £105 pm

1.4L
119.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Toto Motors Ltd

01616727281 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 Golf SE BlueMotion Technology TDI 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,900

Finance available £109 pm

1.6L
73.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

CarsUnder3000

01268203496 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - GTI LAUNCH PERFORMANCE DSG AUTO ULEZ RECENT CAMBELT CHANGE 5-Door

£9,445

Finance available £189 pm

2L
111.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

A37 Vans

01174407183 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Reduced

£15,490

1.5L
73.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

£18,599

Finance available £381 pm

1.5L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (220 ps)

£13,000

Finance available £268 pm

2L
77.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI Match Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£3,188

Finance available £49 pm

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Class Auto Ltd

01254947714 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£23,750

Finance available £467 pm

2L
53.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£4,695

Finance available £83 pm

1.6L
121.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

RTM MOTORS CARDIFF

02920025017 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 1.9 Match TDI 5dr

£999

1.9L
148.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BUDGET CARS (NW) LTD

01614139818 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Active 5dr

£17,618

1L
25.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

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

Reduced

£17,495

1.5L
37.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Luton Trade Centre

01582280724 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,998

2L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (61) - 2.0 TDI GTD (Leather) Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 5 (170 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,995

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Jefferies Car Centre Ltd

01373489224 *

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

Low Mileage

£8,595

Finance available £170 pm

1.6L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MP Cars North West

01616949017 *

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 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 (2016 to 2020)

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
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

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.