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.

5,270 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£13,999

Finance available £282 pm

2L
72.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG Automatic

Low Mileage

£43,999

2L
1.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Bridgend)

01656330795 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2003 (03) - 1.9 GT TDI 130 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,295

1.9L
139.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Sam Car Sales

01274059194 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

Low Mileage

£35,950

Finance available £718 pm

2L
7.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Beehive Cars

01204969299 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (220 ps)

Reduced

£14,895

2L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Enkae Prestige Motors

01484240747 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.4 TSI 150 GT 3dr

Reduced

£6,998

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
83.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Loanhead Carsales Limited

01316034413 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

1.6L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Rory Gaffney Cars

02838298749 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 8 GTI 2.0 TSI 245PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door

Low Mileage

£24,998

2L
24.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 MATCH EDITION TDI BMT 3d 148 BHP 3-Door

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
74.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,795

Finance available £174 pm

1.4L
84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech GT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,495

1.4L
49.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Venn's Motor Company

01823339223 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s

Low Mileage

£9,956

1.4L
53.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.6L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£24,300

Finance available £431 pm

1.5L
9.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Cabriolet 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
110.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Junction 44 Motor Company

01792001630 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,498

1.5L
20.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Wishaw)

01698537718 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - TDI GT 5-Door

£11,995

2L
63.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI GTE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (204 p

£9,100

Finance available £181 pm

1.4L
81.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - GTI MK8 Facelift 2024 2.0 TSI (265ps) DSG Automatic 5-Door

Reduced

£37,990

2L
3.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Neyland)

01646400240 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£18,490

Finance available £359 pm

1.5L
45.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

XENON AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01707932603 *

0/5 Stars

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 2016)

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.

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.