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.

5,270 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2025 (74) - Life 1.5 TSI 115ps 6-Speed Manual 5 Door

£23,990

1.5L
4.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,999

Finance available £350 pm

1.5L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.4 S Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 5 (80 ps)

Low Mileage

£4,899

Finance available £87 pm

1.4L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - TSI R 20 Years 5-Door

£39,995

Finance available £801 pm

2L
11.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Nick Bonar Cars

02893440727 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£9,695

2L
69.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Pavillion Car Sales - Brighton

01273095269 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,750

Finance available £218 pm

2L
84.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Digbeth Motor Sales Ltd

01217288710 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.0 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,800

Finance available £264 pm

1L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

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

Low Mileage

£17,998

1.5L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sherwoods Town Centre Citroen, Fiat & Abarth

01918237779 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (

Low Mileage

£10,990

1.4L
57.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Shirlton Car Sales

01543227747 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,649

Finance available £299 pm

1.5L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

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

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

1.5L
105.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dereham Motor Company ltd

01362700376 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£20,000

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
39.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 2.0 GTD 170 - 6 SPEED MANUAL - CARBON GREY - FSH - XENONS - LEATHERS 5-Door

£3,750

Finance available £61 pm

2L
165.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FA Tyre Services TA A41 Cars

01296254874 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Elm Motor Company

01752749650 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£9,490

Finance available £190 pm

1.6L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Strategic Vehicle Solutions Ltd

01205332561 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,799

Finance available £398 pm

1.5L
25.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - R TSI 4MOTION DSG -CAMERA -SPIELBERG ALLOYS -APPLE CARPLAY -KEYLESS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2dr

Low Mileage

£1,990

1.6L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

TS Motors

01282509437 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 Golf R DSG 4WD 5dr

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
80.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,899

Finance available £366 pm

2L
43.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch

01482697731 *

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

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 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.