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.

5,143 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£16,099

Finance available £331 pm

1.5L
28.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,995

1.5L
47.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 8 GTE 1.4 TSI 245PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door

Low Mileage

£21,942

1.4L
20.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf(15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

89.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Not Supplied

The Motor Deals Limited

01782529078 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (10) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

£15,000

2L
15.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

4motion Cars

01733977717 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

1.5L
99.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vollgas Automotive Ltd

01282509482 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 3dr

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hatfields

01302248814 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

1.4L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

£15,450

Finance available £323 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

Revitupukcom

01244268811 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Life 5dr DSG Petrol Hatchback

£20,249

1.5L
19.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Mansfield

01312025167 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr

£11,449

Finance available £233 pm

1.6L
79.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Donnelly Automotive

02890023546 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 - TDI SE 5-Door

Reduced

£1,895

2L
186.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Walters Motor Group Loddon

01603937289 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hazelton Motors

02890023654 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

1.5L
106.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SMCARS (LTD)

02830447097 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr DSG

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

1.6L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£25,990

Finance available £513 pm

1.5L
12.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Hatchback

CR Morrow Ltd

02830440804 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

£12,990

1.4L
75.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Formula One Car Centre

01324374133 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£30,490

1.5L
10.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (70) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,500

Finance available £369 pm

1.5L
52.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.0 TSI SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Reduced

£13,295

1.6L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

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 Present)

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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