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.

5,172 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.0 TSI Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,650

Finance available £350 pm

1L
7.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 3dr

£3,750

Finance available £61 pm

1.6L
163.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R Estate 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

£17,200

Finance available £333 pm

2L
64.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,799

Finance available £308 pm

2L
0.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Z a motors

01785336152 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.0 TSI Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,390

Finance available £254 pm

1L
45.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£12,990

1.5L
77.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TSI R 4Motion 300ps DSG 5Dr + PANO ROOF + LEATHER + PRETORIA

Reduced

£27,692

2L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,000

Finance available £303 pm

1.5L
19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

Low Mileage

£24,999

Finance available £493 pm

2L
30.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

1.5L
14.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

The Van Franchise Ltd

01472907972 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£28,998

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (63) - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

DMC

01412601329 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,534

1.5L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Newbury

01635959570 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,994

Finance available £179 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TDI SE 3dr

£6,850

Finance available £131 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr

£23,508

1.5L
13.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Bridgwater

01278555830 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 1.4 TSI GT DSG Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£4,840

Finance available £86 pm

1.4L
97.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Smart Wheel Motors

02039467705 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,195

Finance available £71 pm

2L
91.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

I & B CARS

01636554116 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 Golf R-Line TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,980

Finance available £335 pm

2L
47.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Swan Car Brokers

01592802385 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£17,599

Finance available £360 pm

2L
34.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01452227360 *

4.3/5 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

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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 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

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