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.

5,153 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion Tech Match 5dr

£2,150

1.6L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BUDGET CARS (NW) LTD

01614139818 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£17,990

1.5L
23.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,299

Finance available £275 pm

1.6L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

MW MOTOR GROUP LTD

01164784157 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - MK8 R-Line 1.5 TSI 150PS 6-speed Manual 5 Door

Low Mileage

£21,795

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Specialist Cars Volkswagen Kirkcaldy

01592805181 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Style 5dr

£18,498

2L
36.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Reduced

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

TH Motors London

01494311200 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£15,802

1.5L
40.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Peugeot Cambridge

01223622672 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 2.0 TSI R 5-Door

£45,995

2L
2.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ellis Ashton Motor Company Ltd

01515419352 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI R 3dr

Reduced

£15,499

Finance available £324 pm

2L
47.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

360 Automotive Ltd

01283241544 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,778

Finance available £263 pm

2L
54.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MF Motors LTD

01733666879 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI Style Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,750

Finance available £218 pm

1.5L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Fz Automotive Group

01422415953 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£18,290

Finance available £355 pm

1.5L
47.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Farnham Volkswagen

01252916356 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,299

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

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

£11,200

1.5L
65.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.4L PETROL

Low Mileage

£4,200

Finance available £72 pm

1.4L
32.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
People Carrier

Jan London Trade Manchester

01216474048 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
156.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Pudsey Motor Company

01134685931 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.4 GTE DSG 5d 242 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1.4L
21.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Victoria Motors

01225437258 *

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

£14,990

Finance available £313 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Diamond Specialist Cars Limited

01422412351 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£1,990

1.6L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

TS Motors

01282509437 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 R TSI DSG 5d 296 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£14,945

Finance available £312 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

BRG AutoHub

02891249536 *

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 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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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