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.

5,216 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,499

1.6L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Cars Direct Stockport

01613887691 *

3.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TSI GTI DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,750

Finance available £529 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Whitethor Cars

01530443588 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 2.0 GTI TSI DSG 5d 242 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,490

Finance available £524 pm

2L
8.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Spa Motor Hereford

01432802169 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (220 p

Low Mileage

£13,800

Finance available £286 pm

2L
52.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 2.0 TDi 140 Match 5dr

£1,995

2L
167.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Village Cars Cottingley

01274059840 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 (15) - 1.4 TSI Match 5dr DSG

£5,450

1.4L
139.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

CARS4YOU

01274089739 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech ACT GT Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (14

Reduced

£6,375

1.4L
102.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

South & West Motors Ltd

01225613057 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 - ADIDAS EDITION + IMPORT + RARE MODEL + 77K + DSG

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

Mexus

02037639082 *

3.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,481

Finance available £376 pm

1.5L
14.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£14,209

1.5L
53.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Lincoln

01522467379 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG Automatic

£42,950

2L
3.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (110 b

Low Mileage

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

1L
33.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

NS Cars

01515561833 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,290

Finance available £396 pm

1.5L
24.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Farnham Volkswagen

01252916356 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - MK7 Facelift 1.4 TSI SE 125PS 5Dr + VOLKSWAGEN WARRANTY Manual

Low Mileage

£14,249

1.4L
18.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Sinclair Volkswagen (Swansea)

01792739752 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI SE [Nav] 5dr DSG

Reduced

£11,950

Finance available £245 pm

1.6L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

O'Kane Cars

02879440619 *

Volkswagen Golf2000 - GOLF GTI 1.8 AUTOMATIC 5 DOOR * ONLY 34000 MILES * TOP GRADE 4 *

£7,495

1.8L
34.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

The Car Warehouse

01642937563 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 2.0 TDI GT Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,769

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Newbury

01635959570 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Advance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (

£14,857

Finance available £291 pm

1.4L
56.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

Volkswagen Golf(66) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,995

102.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Magor Motor Company

01633741705 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.6 TDI Match DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,695

Finance available £194 pm

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Renown Motors

01613887637 *

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 (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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