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.

5,336 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI Match Euro 5 5dr

£3,795

1.4L
106.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ridgways Garage Ltd

01709212043 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
82.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Oakways Car Sales

01217525803 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

365 MOTORS LTD

01204968071 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Reduced

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
85.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Riverside SEAT Hull

01482429290 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - MK8 1.5 TSI Style EVO (130ps) Estate 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,999

1.5L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps

Low Mileage

£9,149

Finance available £171 pm

2L
66.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Low Mileage

£22,549

Finance available £467 pm

2L
42.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

cinch

01733309722 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (140 p

Low Mileage

£12,000

1.4L
32.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stringers of Petersfield

01730779314 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2005 (05) - 2.0 TFSI GTI DSG 5dr

Reduced

£3,689

2L
175.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Sheffield

01143086605 *

4.6/5 Stars

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 Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps) LOW MILES! STUNN

Low Mileage

£25,991

Finance available £513 pm

2L
14.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cardiff Trade Sales Ltd

02922679489 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps)

Reduced

£18,145

2L
56.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr

£2,500

2L
177.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

4motion Cars

01733977717 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,190

1.5L
5.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen South Oxford

01235429705 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£12,340

Finance available £248 pm

1.5L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI 200 GTD 5dr DSG

£21,998

2L
66.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Linwood Hyundai / Mazda / GWM / Used Car Centre

01414060040 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
59.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Phillips (Lisburn) Ltd

02892791480 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,383

Finance available £442 pm

2L
34.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£19,739

1.5L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Milton Keynes

01908926622 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG Automatic

£18,450

1.5L
33.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

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

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 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

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