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.

5,250 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,298

1.5L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Fiat / Abarth (Falkirk)

01324465358 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 eTSI MHEV R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,399

Finance available £419 pm

1.5L
26.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£18,911

1.5L
19.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Bolton

01204329200 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£16,490

Finance available £265 pm

2L
39.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Fusco Vehicle Sales

02891249214 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£19,000

Finance available £370 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

The Car Shop

01217288893 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (63) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

£5,995

1.4L
100.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Gardner and Wake

01207262647 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245

Low Mileage

£18,843

Finance available £375 pm

1.4L
30.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh GTE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (245

£16,990

1.4L
55.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carworld Superstore

01733978043 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr DSG

£17,750

2L
50.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Honda Northampton

01604343516 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,450

Finance available £379 pm

2L
19.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

HILLVIEW MOTORS Ltd

02890023629 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI GT Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.6L
61.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ross Car Sales

01792001616 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 1.5 TSI Match 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£24,999

1.5L
2.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Bridgend)

01656330795 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - R MK8 2.0 TSI 4Motion 320PS DSG 5 Dr + MILLTEK EXHAUST UPGRADE

Low Mileage

£32,956

2L
18.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Southampton

02380017658 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr Manual

Low Mileage

£15,499

1.5L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Bridgend)

01656330795 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£9,999

Finance available £205 pm

1.5L
76.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG

£23,990

Finance available £472 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Fermanagh Auto Sales

02868336501 *

Volkswagen Golf2005 (54) - 2.0 GT TDI 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
123.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Spick Cars

01202068600 *

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

£21,059

2L
53.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall Nissan Doncaster

01302245278 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (8T) - 2.0 TSI GTI TCR Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (290 ps)

Low Mileage

£29,495

Finance available £585 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
77.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Magor Motor Company

01633741705 *

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 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

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