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.

5,282 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,911

Finance available £430 pm

2L
53.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Sarah Cox Cars Ltd

01623706190 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£17,450

Finance available £338 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (122

Low Mileage

£10,499

1.4L
26.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 5dr DSG

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Cornish Car Co

01208222378 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 TSI S 5dr - AIR CON - ELECTRIC WINDOWS

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.4L
91.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Wise

01673268382 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£20,998

2L
15.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall/Jeep/Alfa Romeo (Linwood)

01414736412 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Auto

Low Mileage

£25,659

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5-Door

£15,497

Finance available £311 pm

1.5L
39.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Grimsby

01472806810 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,995

1.4L
43.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dryden BCS

01212722017 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£16,399

2L
29.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£12,598

2L
79.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vehicle Trade Centre Ayr

01292430591 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,495

Finance available £359 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Derbyshire Performance

01332419213 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£8,699

Finance available £172 pm

1.5L
96.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Shahz Cars Ltd

01525308852 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

1.4L
61.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mervyn Stewart MG/Suzuki

02891638411 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,295

Finance available £275 pm

2L
82.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 3dr

£12,999

Finance available £268 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The Brookside Garage

01407888489 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - R DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
51.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Reo Car Sales

01291441528 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,800

Finance available £264 pm

1.5L
62.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - GTD MK8 2.0 TDI 200PS DSG 5 Door + SUNROOF + WINTER PACK

Low Mileage

£26,942

2L
20.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,990

2L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stoneacre Harrogate

01432801661 *

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 2020)

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