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.

5,240 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 2.0 TSI 320 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

£30,195

Finance available £600 pm

2L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

C Russell Auto Sales Ltd

02844330222 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.4 TSI 150 GT 3dr

Reduced

£6,998

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
83.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Loanhead Carsales Limited

01316034413 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.4 TSI 13kWh Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,340

Finance available £343 pm

1.4L
50.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 2.0 Golf GT Edition TDI BlueMotion Technology Semi-Auto 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,490

2L
36.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - MK8 Hatch 5-Dr 1.5 eTSI (150PS) Life EVO DSG Automatic

Low Mileage

£18,500

1.5L
15.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bath

01225617306 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (60) - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr DSG ULEZ

Low Mileage

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

1.4L
44.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

The Left Hand Drive Place

01256679126 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,500

Finance available £380 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

GS Car Centre Ltd

01772348161 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

Reduced

£5,295

1.6L
98.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Palmers Citroen Watford

01923919096 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
64.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

ADAM G CARS

01302986312 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,490

Finance available £56 pm

1.6L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Lancashire Autos LTD

01254457567 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,990

1.5L
15.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Worcester

01902240177 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£9,995

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

REVENTO MOTORS LTD

01752425627 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (65) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (15

Low Mileage

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AUTOTRADE BIRMINGHAM LTD

01217525773 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 1.6 S 5dr

Low Mileage

£595

1.6L
117.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

NHI Leicester Ltd

01164646019 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (10) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Carplex Ltd

01323396590 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (67) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£13,480

Finance available £273 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ponko

01223857211 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 3dr

£10,450

Finance available £211 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Pro X

02895908086 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,480

Finance available £256 pm

2L
78.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Car Capital Ltd

02038933681 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
100.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AMR Motors Limited

01484503310 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,285

1.5L
10.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Milton Keynes

01908926622 *

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

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

lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lHUz0lVPyUY/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year