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.

5,206 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£27,810

2L
5.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Vertu Hyundai Exeter

01392341625 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) FULL SERVI

£14,295

1.5L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£25,998

1.5L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

£9,998

1.6L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
25.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Kirkcaldy Ford Centre

01592407686 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - GTI 2.0 TSI (265ps) DSG Ã¢ Queenstown Alloys, Black package, Sunroof, Ar 5-Door

£38,771

Finance available £742 pm

2L
12.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf1991 - Gti 16V 3-Door

Low Mileage

£18,495

Finance available £359 pm

1.8L
147.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Phoenix Car Centre

01962670197 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£16,800

1.5L
22.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

County Motorparks Chelmsford

01245678762 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,527

Finance available £280 pm

1.4L
61.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 (55) - DSG GTI 5-Door

Reduced

£5,795

Finance available £107 pm

2L
73.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mayfield Garage

01435518133 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Reduced

£15,299

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
35.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 2.0 TSI R (Leather) 4Motion Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
96.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Rodden Road Cars

01373481367 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,998

1.5L
11.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Livingston)

01506539098 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£14,900

Finance available £259 pm

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£16,298

1.5L
62.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glasgow)

01414068758 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
158.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Westgate Motor Centre

01274089104 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - GTI

Low Mileage

£14,490

Finance available £301 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£17,300

Finance available £307 pm

1.5L
37.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

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

£28,495

Finance available £565 pm

2L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carjoy UK Limited

01224019779 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£30,995

Finance available £616 pm

2L
24.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

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 (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.

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