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.

5,121 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,495

Finance available £271 pm

1.4L
46.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Wrights Motors

01366310748 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr [Nav]

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

J Hair Motors

02890023607 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£12,990

1.5L
67.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,890

Finance available £176 pm

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Value Car Centre

01603512116 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.0 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps) 1 Previous O

Low Mileage

£15,850

Finance available £305 pm

1L
20.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,980

Finance available £223 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

A & R Automotive Ltd

01935311703 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 (55) - DSG GTI 5-Door

Reduced

£5,495

2L
73.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mayfield Garage

01435518133 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - SE

£8,990

1.2L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,008

1.5L
21.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 2.0 TDI GT DSG Euro 5 5dr

£2,499

2L
180.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,000

1.4L
23.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Left Hand Drive Place

01256679126 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - eTSI MHEV Life 5-Door

£13,189

1.5L
86.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£20,000

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.4 tsi bluemotion DSG AUTO 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,995

1.4L
58.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Cardiff Motors

02921921384 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,499

Finance available £314 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01792001651 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - AUTOMATIC 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,999

1.2L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kobe Trading UK Limited

01162165671 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match Edition 5dr

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

1L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.0 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,000

Finance available £213 pm

1L
47.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£28,459

1.5L
1.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

Volkswagen Golf(16) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG 5-Door

£9,499

91.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Prime Carz Ltd

01162162528 *

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 Present)

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 (2016 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 / 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

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

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