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.

5,180 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,049

Finance available £592 pm

2L
15.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

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

Low Mileage

£6,000

1.4L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Canvey Carriage Company

01268203836 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (220 ps)

Reduced

£14,895

2L
61.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Enkae Prestige Motors

01484240747 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (60) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

1.4L
112.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

White Rose Cars

01134676154 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R Hatchback 3dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£15,995

2L
49.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr

£6,950

Finance available £133 pm

1.6L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Sloan Cars

02890023215 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Clubsport 40 DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
47.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Supercar Clinic Ltd

01204584584 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£8,000

1.4L
80.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hamlet Cars

01707932620 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£21,450

Finance available £420 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

DG Cars & 4X4 LTD

02890023125 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,494

Finance available £167 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.0 TSI 115 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,498

1L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen/MG (Rutherglen)

01414839932 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - Gt Tdi Bluemotion Technology Semi-auto 5-Door

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Meridian Motors Limited

01506376846 *

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

£18,310

1.5L
37.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Leamington Spa

01926569991 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - 1.6 TDi 105 Match 3dr

£3,495

1.6L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Durdar Garage

01228273232 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - GTD 2.0 TDI 200PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£24,048

2L
28.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

£9,995

1.5L
83.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105 ps

Low Mileage

£6,200

1.6L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Radley Motor Company

01217288665 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£15,994

2L
35.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG Hatchback

£18,838

1.4L
39.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Belt Motor Group

01384881241 *

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.