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.

5,245 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,599

1.5L
49.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,789

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DJH Prestige And Sports

01216615564 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,690

Finance available £274 pm

1.5L
53.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wilsons of Rathkenny Seat

02825440919 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,295

Finance available £185 pm

2L
107.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.4 Petrol (TSI), BlueMotion Tech, Match Edition, Hatchback, Manual. 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,499

1.4L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Tree Car Sales Ltd

01913387238 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

1.4L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

New Look Motors

01216618627 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£9,776

Finance available £200 pm

1.6L
85.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (

Reduced

£18,499

1.4L
22.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps) 1 Owne

£40,990

Finance available £821 pm

2L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 - 2.0 TFSI GTI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,100

2L
74.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Streamline Cars Limited

01322476139 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr - Virtual Cockpit & Apple CarPlay

£16,290

Finance available £273 pm

1.5L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.4L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mark Evans Car Sales

01872301825 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£16,500

1.5L
24.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Stoneacre Sunderland Toyota

01915945535 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,500

1.6L
132.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Buckley Trade Centre

01352871794 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£16,995

Finance available £288 pm

1.5L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Adam Erwin

02894338792 *

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

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
113.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Eazy Cars Haslingden Ltd

01706392812 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.0 TSI Life 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£16,609

1L
17.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Honda Doncaster

01302245283 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 - SE TSI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,795

1.4L
117.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

G C Car Sales Lancaster Ltd

01524938024 *

4.8/5 Stars

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 Golf2020 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

1.6L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

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.