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.

5,295 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
46.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Grayswood Cars

01428771375 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match 5-Door

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Assured Cars Scotland LTD Cumbernald

01316034391 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr DSG

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

1.6L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Martin Traynor Motors

02838299002 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

£22,500

1.5L
28.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Barnstaple

01271443056 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Reduced

£17,175

Finance available £332 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Sandwell Car Sales

01215160845 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

£14,895

2L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Cars and Commercials Ltd

01227203373 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (2

Low Mileage

£18,998

Finance available £378 pm

1.4L
16.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

£32,495

Finance available £647 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Panacea Motors Ltd

01616727308 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 2.0 TDI GT Euro 5 5dr

£2,000

2L
156.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (62) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Xpert

01623259371 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
99.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Norton Car Sales Limited

01616720268 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

£8,990

70.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

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 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,998

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Colchester

01414839928 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,195

Finance available £94 pm

1.6L
99.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDI S Euro 5 5dr

£3,490

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JMY Car Sales Ltd

01245202308 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£24,990

1.5L
9.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (8T) - 2.0 TSI GTI TCR Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (290 ps)

Low Mileage

£29,495

Finance available £585 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - GTI MK8 Facelift 2024 2.0 TSI (265ps) DSG **DCC, BLACK STYLE PACK, PAN ROOF 5-Door

Low Mileage

£39,490

2L
1.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG Automatic ULEZ Hpi Clear

Reduced

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

1.4L
120.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Simply Motors

02081500946 *

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 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 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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