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.

5,297 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£31,990

1.5L
100.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Stratford-upon-Avon

01789339674 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 35.8kWh e-Golf Hatchback 5dr Electric Auto (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,491

Finance available £190 pm

19.0K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Automania Cars

01506537023 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,402

1.5L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Milton Keynes

01908926622 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

Reduced

£19,400

Finance available £378 pm

2L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE [Nav] 5dr

£12,231

1.5L
57.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Loughton

02038924870 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

1.4L
39.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Stevenage Cars

01438908360 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG Hatchback

£28,999

2L
10.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Perrys Mansfield Mazda

01623706502 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

One Stop Motors Dewsbury

01924665170 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI 310 R 3dr 4MOTION

Low Mileage

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

2L
48.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MW Performance

01244569177 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,000

Finance available £329 pm

1.5L
60.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - MK8 Hatch 5-Dr 1.5 eTSI (150PS) Life EVO DSG

Low Mileage

£20,340

1.5L
10.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£15,999

Finance available £328 pm

1.5L
38.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Reduced

£18,300

1.5L
8.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Loughborough

01509274556 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,779

Finance available £286 pm

2L
60.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

Volkswagen Golf2006 (56) - 1.6 FSI SE 5dr

£995

1.6L
150.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Exclusive Motor Company Ltd

01279215062 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - TSI EVO SE Nav 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,389

1.5L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£17,498

1.5L
30.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Broxburn Seat / Fiat

01506532870 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.2 TSI S Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£3,290

Finance available £51 pm

1.2L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CAR NATION GROUP LTD

01733979117 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,698

2L
26.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Armadale Citroen / Vanstore

01501640622 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (130ps) Style EVO

£18,691

1.5L
30.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

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

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 3dr 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.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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