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.

5,258 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

£16,970

2L
76.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG Auto

£19,457

1.5L
22.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Letchworth

01462559198 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (63) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.4L
55.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

RB Cars

01989551050 *

3.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£14,499

Finance available £302 pm

2L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 5dr 1.5 eTSi R-Line DSG Automatic

Low Mileage

£21,495

1.5L
25.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Frosts Used Cars Shoreham-by-Sea

01273093609 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,695

Finance available £194 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Poolstock Car Sales Limited

01942597424 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG Auto

£19,244

1.5L
27.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.4 TSI SE 5DR HATCHBACK

£1,590

1.4L
173.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

WMC

01212706882 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£26,990

1.5L
388.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (62) - MATCH TDI 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,195

Finance available £94 pm

1.6L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Vision Car Sales

01793550993 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr

£11,949

Finance available £245 pm

1.6L
71.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Donnelly Automotive

02890023546 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£19,999

1.5L
7.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr

Reduced

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
81.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Clives Autos Quayside

01206482938 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

£13,950

Finance available £289 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Eden Car Sales Ltd

02893447216 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr Manual

Reduced

£18,899

1.5L
24.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Ballymena

02890022273 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,150

Finance available £496 pm

2L
22.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style DSG 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,997

Finance available £472 pm

1.5L
8.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Hessle

01482947558 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG Auto

£15,172

1.5L
73.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Oxford Kidlington

01865956226 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,695

Finance available £239 pm

1.4L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stevenage Cars

01438908360 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£21,498

1.5L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (East Kilbride)

01355203634 *

4.7/5 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

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 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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