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.

5,259 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£21,208

1.5L
16.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.0 eTSI MHEV Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

£15,400

1L
53.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG SEMI-AUTO

Low Mileage

£24,999

2L
5.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TrustFord Ballymena

02890022273 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (Z7) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE [Nav] 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,995

1.5L
23.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Lancaster

01524938891 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr DSG

£13,450

Finance available £261 pm

1L
51.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Swansway Honda Bolton

01204323443 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 SE TSI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

1.4L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Lottbridge Motoring Centre Ltd

01323407763 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 2-Door

Reduced

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Riverside Motors

01325525225 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI SE 5dr

Reduced

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
139.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fusion Autos LTD

02921676819 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Reduced

£20,999

1.5L
12.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Invicta Subaru Crawley

01293214024 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TSI GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£30,183

Finance available £626 pm

2L
11.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Evogo Limited

01145537251 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£21,450

Finance available £420 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps)

£24,000

Finance available £524 pm

2L
45.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Thurlow Nunn Norwich

01603337183 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (YF) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (378 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,350

Finance available £439 pm

2L
51.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

North Loop Autohaus

01527911876 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

OPPO CARS LTD

02038978713 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

Reduced

£4,690

Finance available £82 pm

1.4L
114.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dean Smith Car Sales

01613887695 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,295

Finance available £96 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI GT 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.4L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

JT Motors Ltd

01934312882 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£7,850

Finance available £153 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ms Car Sales Cuper

01334800426 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£13,995

1.5L
50.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,799

Finance available £286 pm

1.5L
51.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

RH Motor Sales Ltd

01594801996 *

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

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 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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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