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.

5,065 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,499

Finance available £369 pm

2L
46.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,490

1.6L
140.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Lancashire Autos LTD

01254457567 *

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

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

1.6L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT 2dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
86.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Swift Car Sales Lillyhall

01900511074 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps) - HEATED S

Low Mileage

£20,579

Finance available £411 pm

1.5L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 eTSI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£23,249

Finance available £482 pm

1.5L
11.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2006 - 3.2 V6 R32 DSG 4Motion 3dr

Low Mileage

£8,795

Finance available £174 pm

3.2L
103.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Shop For Cars

01582344808 *

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

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
117.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AMR Motors Limited

01484503310 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£19,999

Finance available £416 pm

2L
15.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

Volkswagen Golf2025 (25) - 1.5 eTSI 150 Match 5dr DSG

£26,990

1.5L
10.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Coventry

02476936618 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (66) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 3dr *ONLY 23000 MILES*** £35 TAX

Reduced

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

1.4L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Neath Abbey Cars Ltd

01639501158 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,000

1.5L
12.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motorparks Canterbury

01227203463 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.0 eTSI MHEV Life Estate 5dr Petrol Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps) - USB

£13,776

Finance available £268 pm

1L
45.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£32,750

Finance available £652 pm

2L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273252 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (20) - 2.0 TDI Style DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

100

Low Mileage

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

SELECT CARS & COMMERCIALS

01582280231 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GTD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,990

2L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,795

Finance available £530 pm

2L
6.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

TJ Hamilton & Co

02886273062 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Pavilion Motor Company

01614139866 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TDI 150 R-Line 5dr DSG Diesel Hatchback

Low Mileage

£28,867

2L
3.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Nottingham South

01156977747 *

4.5/5 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

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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

* 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

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