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.

5,316 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£23,950

Finance available £471 pm

1.5L
18.0
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - TSI R 20 Years 5-Door

£39,995

Finance available £801 pm

2L
11.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Nick Bonar Cars

02893440727 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,450

Finance available £441 pm

1.5L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

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

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

1.5L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

FM MOTORS GB LTD

02039484610 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (61) - GOLF GTI TSI Edition 30 5 Door Hatchback

Low Mileage

£8,500

2L
81.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Jaky Motors

01274028369 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 (11) - 1.4 Twist Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

1.4L
93.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Safe Cars

01234861497 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£10,950

Finance available £222 pm

1.6L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Richard Sloan Cars

02890023215 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£17,693

1.5L
19.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
80.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Supreme Motors NI

02882449414 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 2.0 TSI GTI Clubsport Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (300 ps)

£24,000

Finance available £524 pm

2L
45.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Thurlow Nunn Norwich

01603337183 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

£15,900

Finance available £333 pm

1.5L
57.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech R DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) 3dr

Reduced

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

2L
80.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

St Clements Cars

01553605040 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,960

1.5L
20.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen St Albans

01727224916 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 2.0 TDi 140 GT 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Elephant Car Sales

01843269149 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TSI 300 R 5dr 4MOTION DSG

£22,750

Finance available £447 pm

2L
51.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Agnew Volkswagen Belfast

02890021959 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Match Edition 5dr

£11,950

Finance available £245 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

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

Reduced

£13,900

Finance available £237 pm

1.5L
41.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£19,998

1.5L
17.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Seafield Motorstore / Vanstore

01316034404 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2023 - MK8 Hatchback 5-Dr 1.5 TSI (150ps) Style EVO Manual

Low Mileage

£22,150

1.5L
9.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 (58) - 2.0 GT SPORT TDI 5d 168 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

North East Part Exchange Centre Ltd

01916077185 *

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 (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

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