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.

5,411 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2001 (Y) - SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,795

1.6L
148.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bourne Valley Autos

01264311668 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 1.0 TSI Match Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,995

£134/pm (HP)

1L
63.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Wednesbury Carsale

01217288861 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,979

£134/pm (HP)

1.6L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

EVM Sports and Prestige

01613887697 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 2.0 TSI BlueMotion Tech GTI Launch 3-Door

Low Mileage

£12,750

£263/pm (HP)

2L
72.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Quality Motors

01143086577 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.4 TSI 8.7kWh GTE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (20

Low Mileage

£14,995

£313/pm (HP)

1.4L
40.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Sheffield Car Centre Ltd

01144786513 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - TSI BlueMotion Tech R 3-Door

Reduced

£13,989

2L
77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

Volkswagen Golf2009 (59) - 1.6 TDI SE DSG Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,199

£77/pm (HP)

1.6L
82.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Big Bob Car Sales

01482739309 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (67) - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,695

£256/pm (HP)

1.4L
55.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

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

£41,500

2L
5.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Gloucester

01452227271 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2012 (12) - 2.0 TSI GTI 5dr DSG [Leather]

Low Mileage

£7,995

£330/pm (HP)

2L
91.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Ashtons Cars

02921676281 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 115HP 1.6 TDI SE ESTATE EURO 6 5-Door

£9,495

1.6L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Auto Solutions

01252415030 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI R Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG 4Motion Euro 6 (s/s) (310 ps)

Low Mileage

£25,695

2L
19.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

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

Low Mileage

£40,990

2L
2.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.6 TDI Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

£8,999

£179/pm (HP)

1.6L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Tamebridge Cars Ltd

01642049641 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,995

£223/pm (HP)

1.6L
52.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Alverstoke Automotive LTD

01902290499 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr

£14,950

£252/pm (PCP)

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Brian McManus Car Sales Ltd

02890021675 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.5 TSI EVO SE [Nav] 5dr

£11,998

1.5L
61.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Benton Chery / Seat

01916070546 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,950

£233/pm (HP)

1.6L
71.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

JRS Commercials & Cars

02887441404 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps) * HUGE SPEC LIST

Low Mileage

£30,995

£485/pm (PCP)

2L
18.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MJM Car Sales

01833600271 *

Volkswagen Golf2011 - 1.4 TSI SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,410

£99/pm (HP)

1.4L
68.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

GL1 Car Sales

01452224639 *

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 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 (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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