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.

5,135 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£19,549

Finance available £406 pm

2L
22.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Edinburgh

01312028747 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

Reduced

£17,499

Finance available £339 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

John Griffiths Cars Ltd

01778308207 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£10,975

Finance available £223 pm

2L
129.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

PEELS WHEELS LIMITED

01524938217 *

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

Reduced

£12,895

Finance available £266 pm

1.5L
72.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorswitch Ltd

01942364531 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 2dr

Low Mileage

£8,990

2L
55.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Save On Used Cars

01724514218 *

Volkswagen Golf1.2 TSI BlueMotion Auto 5DR

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

28.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

THE CARMARKET

02890023139 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (150ps) R-Line EVO Manual

Low Mileage

£21,383

1.5L
16.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Capitol Volkswagen Merthyr Tydfil

01685701249 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£13,049

Finance available £261 pm

1.5L
72.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch

01412601480 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.0 eTSI MHEV Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

£14,900

1L
53.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (60) - 1.4 Twist 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,299

Finance available £74 pm

1.4L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TJ Cars Ltd

01753291623 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

2L
67.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,650

Finance available £305 pm

1.5L
37.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers Cumbria

01228273201 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
50.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Run About Autos LTD

01756636620 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,395

Finance available £210 pm

2L
86.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Luks car sales garage ltd

01162162323 *

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

Reduced

£3,800

Finance available £63 pm

1.6L
65.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Leos Garage LTD

01312874294 *

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

Reduced

£31,450

Finance available £626 pm

2L
19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI R 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Aberdeen Autos

01467538822 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2006 (06) - GTI 2.0 TFSI HATCHBACK PETROL MANUAL 3 DOOR 198PS RARE 3 DOOR-40K MILES

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Smiley Car & Commercial Ltd

01206580387 *

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

Reduced

£15,990

Finance available £335 pm

1.5L
38.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mervyn Stewart Skoda North Down

02891244456 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Eric Ellis Jones Brynsiriol Garage

01970600366 *

3.3/5 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 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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