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.

5,266 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 GTI CLUBSPORT S 3d 306 BHP 3-Door

Reduced

£27,500

Finance available £544 pm

2L
27.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Praters Of Hollingdon LLP

01525308854 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TDI 184 GTD 5dr

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
68.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

MB Motors

02825440802 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

Reduced

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

I A PERFORMANCE 78 LTD TA EX POLICE CARS

01613887638 *

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

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Estate

Mike Wells Cars Ltd

01933421770 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 (73) - 2.0 TSI R 20 Years DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£37,995

Finance available £760 pm

2L
15.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

H J Wickett and Co

01752423700 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps)

£6,490

Finance available £123 pm

1.6L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Jenson Cars

01733794308 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Hilton Car Sales

02890023656 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£7,800

Finance available £152 pm

1.6L
92.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto City Trader Ltd

01182274525 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,000

Finance available £329 pm

1.6L
11.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Turners of Roborough

01752427448 *

Volkswagen Golf2006 (56) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£699

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£31,998

2L
36.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Harpers Cumbria

01228273201 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.6 TDI S Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£1,750

1.6L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Syston Autos LTD

01162165591 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 - R 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jap Motor Cars Ltd

01773304675 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5dr

£18,495

Finance available £359 pm

1.5L
39.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Basingstoke Volkswagen

01256634772 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,295

Finance available £335 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£33,898

2L
15.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Inverness MINI

01463210682 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2007 (07) - 3.2 V6 R32 4MOTION 3dr Same Owner From Brand New

Low Mileage

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

3.2L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £263 pm

1.5L
45.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

£22,298

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Linwood)

01414068772 *

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 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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