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.

5,119 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Style Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fitzroy Motor Co

01425203840 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£8,100

Finance available £159 pm

1.5L
86.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£16,998

1.5L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Kilmarnock Hyundai / Vanstore

01563590228 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£19,895

Finance available £388 pm

2L
82.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Top Gear NI

02879440940 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,950

Finance available £379 pm

2L
26.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

2L
53.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Murray Motors (FRS) Ltd

01346410646 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,499

Finance available £380 pm

1.5L
34.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Kendal)

01539760922 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

£17,350

Finance available £358 pm

2L
70.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Evans Halshaw Ford Burnley

01282503246 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 TSI S 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£3,990

1.4L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

The Motor House

02039104775 *

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - 1.9 TDI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,999

1.9L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Safe Cars

01234861497 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - TDI GT 5-Door

£11,995

2L
63.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

1.5L
90.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£27,429

1.5L
3.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Skipton

01535280951 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI SE 3dr

£6,850

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£31,625

2L
6.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£32,350

2L
23.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

John Clark Skoda Dundee

01382279255 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr [Leather]

Reduced

£2,295

2L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars 4 You

01216615633 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 SE NAVIGATION TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5d 114 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,990

1.6L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI Style Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£15,300

Finance available £277 pm

2L
60.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 Golf Life TDI 5dr

£13,300

Finance available £275 pm

2L
83.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Braunstone Crossroads Motors

01164028881 *

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 (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 (2016 to 2020)

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
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

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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