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.

5,147 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,500

Finance available £339 pm

1.5L
21.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI 310 R 3dr 4MOTION DSG

£18,666

2L
74.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Harlow

01279598864 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,000

2L
99.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Hartlebury Cars

01562547645 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 1.4 TSI S DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,995

1.4L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Small Cars Online

01823217645 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr DSG

Reduced

£8,988

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

BJH Motors & Sons (Rainbow Hill)

01905676573 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£14,998

1.5L
42.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glenrothes)

01592803918 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 Golf SE Nav TDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr

Reduced

£7,625

Finance available £148 pm

1.6L
99.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TSI R 3dr

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
55.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MW Performance

01244569177 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.0 TSI SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 bhp) - AIR CON - S

£9,192

Finance available £176 pm

1L
77.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TDI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£25,990

Finance available £491 pm

2L
50.0
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Crewe Volkswagen

01270445669 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 - R 3-Door

£9,999

2L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hafod Car Sales

01792344481 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (69) - 1.4 GTE DSG 5d 202 BHP 5-Door

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

1.4L
105.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£17,989

Finance available £368 pm

1.5L
39.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - SE TDI BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY 5-Door

Low Mileage

£5,995

1.6L
77.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Platinum Car Centre

01752987232 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 - 1.6 FSI S 5-Door

Reduced

£2,295

1.6L
138.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Cuxton Road Car Sales

01634959364 *

1.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps)

£20,995

2L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Enkae Prestige Motors

01484240747 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI GT 2dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

1.4L
95.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Convertible

Jap Motor Cars Ltd

01773304675 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - TSI BlueMotion Tech Match 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,383

Finance available £254 pm

1.4L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Imperial Motor Company Limited

01732443737 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI SE [Nav] 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£14,295

1.4L
34.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Audi Wimbledon

02038928034 *

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

£18,850

Finance available £367 pm

1.5L
32.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

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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