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.

5,266 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£19,250

Finance available £375 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Gormley Motors Ltd

02887448026 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

£25,449

Finance available £502 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£4,995

1.6L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

K-Cars

01707243228 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (60) - 1.2 TSI 85 S 5dr

£3,250

Finance available £50 pm

1.2L
118.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GB Motor Company

01162165597 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R 3-Door

£16,999

Finance available £357 pm

2L
73.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MMC Specialist Cars

01642573541 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,898

2L
42.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 p

Low Mileage

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
84.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elmbank Motor Company

01292430978 *

Volkswagen Golf(63) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Edition DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

26.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

JMS USED CARS LTD

01784779331 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr [Leather]

Reduced

£2,295

2L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars 4 You

01216615633 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,498

1.5L
2.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Perth Vauxhall/Fiat/Abarth/Jeep/Leapmotor

01738230558 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.4 TSI SE DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,295

Finance available £74 pm

1.4L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

MOSSGATE MOTORS LTD

01613887618 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 2.0 TSI 333 R Black Edition 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£47,990

2L
1.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG Auto

£14,911

1.5L
73.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

Reduced

£27,998

2L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Glasgow)

01414839934 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.4L
80.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Sandhaven Car Sales

01917314499 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - TSI R 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,195

Finance available £518 pm

2L
41.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phoenix Car Centre

01962670197 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,145

Finance available £249 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AHC CAR SALES LTD

01135123659 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£15,838

Finance available £332 pm

1.5L
32.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Hull

01482421858 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (10) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

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 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 (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 (2016 to 2020)

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
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

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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