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.

5,379 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£12,445

Finance available £256 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Supreme Motors NI

02882449414 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - TSI GTI Clubsport 5-Door

£42,995

Finance available £863 pm

2L
4.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Riviera Automotive Ltd

01274505967 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Reduced

£33,650

1.4L
5.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£19,298

1.5L
29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Style 5dr

£14,699

Finance available £297 pm

2L
65.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01312874330 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps) - WIFI - BLUETO

£14,295

Finance available £279 pm

2L
48.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£19,595

1.5L
18.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Skipton

01535280951 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSi EVO (130 PS) SE Navigation 5 Door Petrol Hatchback Automatic

Low Mileage

£15,390

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
34.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Thurlow Nunn Luton

01582211307 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5

Reduced

£6,995

1.4L
83.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Jefferies Car Centre Ltd

01373489224 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion Tech Match 5dr DSG

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
135.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Reading Cars

01182071736 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.6 TDI S Euro 5 3dr

Low Mileage

£2,400

1.6L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Mayfair Motors

01164029071 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

1.6L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Sloan Cars

02890023215 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line DSG 5-Door

£20,697

Finance available £422 pm

1.5L
30.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 p

£9,899

1.6L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

£21,263

1.5L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Worcester

01905678572 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI GT 2dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1.4L
57.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Harvey One Motors

01793268069 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

Low Mileage

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North East Part Exchange Centre Ltd

01916077185 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 MATCH EDITION TSI DSG BMT 5d 124 BHP 5-Door

£11,990

1.4L
73.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2007 (57) - 2.0 TDI GT Sport 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Atherstone Garage

01827215683 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,998

1.4L
10.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 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

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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year