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.

5,254 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elite Cars Nottingham Ltd

01158225950 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

Reduced

£3,995

1.4L
111.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Z A Motors

01217288814 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Active Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps) - AMBIENT

Low Mileage

£19,008

Finance available £378 pm

1.5L
19.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£35,990

Finance available £719 pm

2L
11.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Camberley Volkswagen

01276543130 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (60) - 1.6 TDi 105 BlueMotion 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,999

1.6L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Kernow Kars Ltd

01326330754 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,195

Finance available £116 pm

1.6L
88.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

West Midlands Cars Ltd

01212721955 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,498

1.5L
28.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Livingston)

01506539098 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (24) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

£37,492

Finance available £750 pm

2L
11.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Harpers Cumbria

01228273201 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.0 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,989

Finance available £194 pm

1L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorhub

01535281058 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - TDI GT 5-Door

£11,995

2L
63.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (58) - 1.4 TSI S 5dr

£1,595

1.4L
181.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Ukandrewhunt

01172331353 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,990

1.5L
7.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 - se

Reduced

£9,990

1.4L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

V P I Used Car Sales Limited

02039377580 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI 245 GTI Performance 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,899

2L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,680

1.5L
6.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

drivedirect Leamington Spa

01926569991 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.5L
71.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Radius Vehicle Solutions

02890023225 *

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

Low Mileage

£3,875

2L
102.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Excel Motors

01733667455 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£14,500

Finance available £296 pm

1.5L
33.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD 5-Door

Reduced

£11,450

Finance available £233 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

FRM Car Sales

01922661912 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style 5dr DSG Automatic

£16,700

1.4L
54.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

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 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 (2016 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 / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 44 - 57
Acceleration:: 6.3 - 10.8 seconds
Boot space:: 380 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Fastest
2.0 TSI GTI Moda 5dr 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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