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.

5,171 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 5dr

Reduced

£2,495

1.6L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

BROOKE CARS M65 LIMITED

01254457250 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£17,999

1.5L
7.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Town & Country Cars

02890026954 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,999

1.4L
62.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - R 4-Door

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Mac Motors

02890023774 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,490

Finance available £301 pm

1.5L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

365 MOTORS LTD

01204968071 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£7,495

1.6L
129.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Archvale Car Sales

02890022125 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£23,750

2L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

PMA CARS

02890026896 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,475

1.6L
86.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Section Ltd

01706394506 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,370

Finance available £254 pm

1.4L
41.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Penrith)

01768800651 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - R 3-Door

£9,999

2L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hafod Car Sales

01792344481 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,500

Finance available £278 pm

2L
49.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Match Chester

01244207613 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

1.5L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MKS Car Sales Sinclair Street

01382213497 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.0 TSI SE Nav 5-Door

Reduced

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Affordable Cars Grimsby

01472494078 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

1.4L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Eastwoods Ltd

01252916819 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr DSG - ULEZ Compliant - £35 Road Tax

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.4L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Maximum Car Supermarket

02392002264 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (2

£18,200

Finance available £377 pm

1.4L
28.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

£4,850

1.6L
111.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 2.0 TSI GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,786

Finance available £550 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Kingsbridge

01904237124 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - R MK8 2.0 TSI 4Motion 320PS DSG 5 Dr Automatic

Reduced

£35,300

2L
10.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

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

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 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 (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 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

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