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.

5,100 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,929

Finance available £345 pm

1.5L
33.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - Life Tsi 5-Door

£16,280

Finance available £341 pm

1.5L
40.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

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

£5,288

1.6L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Stoke Motorz ltd

01782389384 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

Reduced

£9,650

Finance available £193 pm

2L
93.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£34,498

2L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Aberdeen Hyundai / OMODA / JAECOO

01224907796 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,999

1.4L
128.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Thornbury Car Centre

01454800976 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£13,599

1.5L
49.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£16,990

2L
80.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5-Door

£4,492

2L
145.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 - 2.0 TDI CR S 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
123.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ls Automotive Ltd

01953661927 *

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

£5,995

2L
109.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Audenshaw Motor Company Ltd TA Audenshaw Motors

01614139877 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 Golf Match TDI Semi-Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.6L
45.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 3dr

£2,995

2L
163.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Farran Auto Sales Ltd

02895908570 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Clubsport S Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Low Mileage

£34,490

Finance available £688 pm

2L
29.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

PM Car Sales

01916070522 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 35.8kWh e-Golf Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,399

Finance available £210 pm

33.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Fife Mitsubishi Kirkcaldy

01592803919 *

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - 2.0 TFSI GTI 3dr

Low Mileage

£3,695

2L
115.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RM Traders

01780430645 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (73) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£24,990

2L
9.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,298

1.5L
27.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Wakefield Motorstore / Vanstore

01924664046 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr

Reduced

£2,495

1.6L
179.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

MY ISHAQ LTD

01217525785 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£18,495

Finance available £359 pm

2L
50.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Armstrong Massey Driffield

01377310214 *

4.6/5 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 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

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