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.

5,129 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£32,800

Finance available £577 pm

2L
5.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.6L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eastside Motors

01217288688 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£11,299

Finance available £230 pm

2L
56.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Active 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,490

1.5L
26.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Oxford

01865597492 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.5L
15.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Seafield Motorstore / Vanstore

01316034404 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£22,800

Finance available £448 pm

1.5L
23.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Great Yarmouth

01493806041 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,798

1.5L
4.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 1.6 FSI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,791

1.6L
111.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Top1Cars LTD

01245678443 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£24,450

1.5L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,498

1.4L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Renault/Dacia (Dumbarton)

01389310597 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf(67) - 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£24,300

30.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Richard Nash Cars Ltd

01603931816 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,495

2L
84.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Wishaw)

01698537718 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (71) - 1.0 eTSI MHEV Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

£16,799

Finance available £324 pm

1L
45.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,900

1L
41.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Loughborough

01509274556 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Performance Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual Euro 6

Low Mileage

£11,499

2L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rom Motors Ltd

01455240096 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.6L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wrights Motors

01366310748 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,890

Finance available £442 pm

2L
55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Motor Match Stockport

01614139889 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (64) - 1.4TSi MATCH 5 DOOR DSG AUTO 120 BHP (EURO 6)

Low Mileage

£10,990

1.4L
38.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ashington Autodrome

01670336672 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£28,725

2L
4.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Leeds

01134676309 *

4.7/5 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

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 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.