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.

5,228 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI Style Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,590

Finance available £237 pm

1.5L
101.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£16,545

1.5L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

£27,899

Finance available £589 pm

2L
5.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,990

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
102.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI Style Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£13,470

2L
82.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2002 (52) - 2.0 GTI Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual (194 g/km, 115 bhp)

Low Mileage

£3,500

Finance available £56 pm

2L
125.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Premier Motor Collection

01143089153 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,499

Finance available £190 pm

1.4L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Milton Motor Centre

01234237535 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

2L
31.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AutoLine

01212728555 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.2 TSI 105 S 5dr DSG ULEZ

Low Mileage

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

1.2L
41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

The Left Hand Drive Place

01256679126 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf1.4L PETROL GOLF TOURAN TSI

Low Mileage

£5,400

Finance available £98 pm

59.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
People Carrier

Jan London Trade Ltd

01217288705 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (320 ps)

£31,800

Finance available £556 pm

2L
20.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (70) - 1.5 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,525

Finance available £325 pm

1.5L
34.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

One 2 One Autos

01753291374 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,497

Finance available £439 pm

1.5L
15.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (73) - 1.0 TSI Life Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,679

Finance available £343 pm

1L
11.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Part X Ltd Stevenage

01438584759 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£21,298

2L
16.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Burton)

01283246286 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2009 (09) - 1.9 S TDI 5dr Estate

£2,795

1.9L
101.0
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Grays Cars and Classics ltd

01206695690 *

Volkswagen Golf2010 (60) - 2.0 TDI SE DSG Euro 5 5dr

Reduced

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

iCars Automotive Ltd

07482502192 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,989

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
131.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Auto Investments UK Ltd

01162165682 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG Auto

£19,708

2L
25.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI GT 2dr DSG

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

1.4L
63.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Surecar Direct

01172447335 *

0/5 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

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 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 (2016 to 2020)

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
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

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