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.

5,190 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.2 TSI S 5dr

£3,500

Finance available £56 pm

1.2L
122.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Clives Autos Quayside

01206482938 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 - GTI

Low Mileage

£14,490

Finance available £301 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

3.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) Style EVO

£14,993

1.5L
46.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (12) - GTI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
33.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Velocity Auto Sales Ltd

01932559041 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

£18,807

2L
61.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Vauxhall Crewe

01270444341 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (72) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,480

Finance available £359 pm

1.4L
35.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.6L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Garage at Shurlock Row

01182274533 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.4 TSI SE Cabriolet Euro 5 2dr

£4,000

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
111.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - GTI TSI S-A 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,790

2L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

MINSTERMOTORGROUP.COM LTD

01482426481 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

Reduced

£23,190

Finance available £456 pm

1.5L
9.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Mallusk

02890026957 *

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - 2.0 TFSI GTI 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RM Traders

01780430645 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,637

1.5L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,504

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
99.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SR Motors

01793268063 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£5,495

1.6L
98.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Palmers Citroen Watford

01923919096 *

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

Reduced

£25,695

2L
24.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,495

Finance available £359 pm

2L
87.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MH Prestige Limited

01274087579 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

£13,999

1.5L
53.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (08) - 1.6 FSI Match 5dr

Reduced

£1,980

1.6L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Harry Motors Warwick

01926351255 *

Volkswagen Golf(18) - 2.0 TDI GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,581

Finance available £326 pm

64.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£17,906

Finance available £385 pm

1.5L
20.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 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 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 (2016 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 / 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

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

* 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