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.

5,104 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.4 TSI SE Euro 5 5dr

£1,990

1.4L
131.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Brothers Motors Limited

02037639075 *

Volkswagen Golf1990 (G) - 1.8 GTi 16V 3dr

Low Mileage

£7,495

1.8L
130.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hamstead Autos

01213872419 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

£10,595

Finance available £214 pm

1.6L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hynes Motors

02890023625 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (59) - Golf Se Tdi 5-Door

£2,195

1.6L
145.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Atlantic Motorzone Ltd

01782986888 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (110 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,493

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

REVS (automotive) Limited

01205332693 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG [Nav]

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
97.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Harvey One Motors

01793268069 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr DSG

Reduced

£8,295

1.6L
121.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TSI R 20 Years Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (333 ps)

Low Mileage

£34,990

Finance available £698 pm

2L
14.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Derby Trade Cars

01332315433 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,994

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,999

Finance available £390 pm

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 TSI Life 5-Door

£15,797

Finance available £317 pm

1L
22.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£48,862

Finance available £940 pm

2L
25.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

Low Mileage

£29,995

Finance available £488 pm

2L
30.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Norman Motors Poole

01202076853 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr

Reduced

£15,498

1.5L
23.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Aberdeen Hyundai / OMODA / JAECOO

01224907796 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.4 TSI DSG AUTOMATIC PETROL 5DOOR

£9,500

1.4L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

IMPORT AUTOS LIMITED

01628565038 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GTD 3dr

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

ALPINE MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01382238351 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,000

Finance available £268 pm

1.5L
29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£18,900

Finance available £368 pm

1.5L
27.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI GT Cabriolet Euro 5 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

1.4L
83.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Cars Hub

01753915480 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,000

1.6L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

DCX Car Sales

02890023222 *

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 (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 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

* 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.