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.

5,124 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - TSI Style 5-Door

£13,995

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

McCarthy Cars Ltd

02038895516 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,290

Finance available £163 pm

53.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Elderwood Motors

01733667440 *

3.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf1998 - LEFT HAND DRIVE 1.8 GTi 20V TURBO LIMITED EDITION 137 BHP 5DR HATCH

Reduced

£4,295

2L
120.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Chesham Left Hand Drive Centre

01494296463 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 Golf Match TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
51.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

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

Low Mileage

£20,989

Finance available £433 pm

2L
32.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
105.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Tore Car Sales

01463217401 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£19,999

Finance available £424 pm

2L
57.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG E

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ILEX CAR SALES LTD

02877440249 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI SE 150 5DR AUTOMATIC DSG IN WHITE

£4,995

2L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Brooklands Motor Company ltd

01772285829 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£11,499

1.4L
28.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£21,998

1.5L
15.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Bathgate

01506353072 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - Match Edition 1.4 TSI 125 PS 6-speed Manual 5 Door Manual

Low Mileage

£10,117

1.4L
69.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2000 (X) - 2.0

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Not Supplied

Mintys Car Sales Ltd

01843269124 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TSI GTI TCR DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£24,490

Finance available £483 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Rosso Performance LTD

01133236280 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,795

Finance available £308 pm

1L
38.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Redpath & Mclean Motor Ltd

01316036539 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,291

1.5L
22.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Golf(18) - 2.0 TDI GTD BlueLine DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,989

29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 1.9 TDI Match 5dr

£1,999

1.9L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 - 2.0 TFSI GTI 3-Door

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
101.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Automotion Vehicle Sales

01752987252 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£12,950

Finance available £267 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Eden Car Sales Ltd

02893447216 *

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 Present)

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.