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.

5,206 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2011 (61) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE 2dr

£2,495

1.6L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Convertible

Central Motor Centre

01316036527 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 (73) - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

£18,291

1.5L
27.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Chichester

01242507316 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 - 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s)

Reduced

£11,750

1.4L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

drivedirect Darlington

01325521614 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£44,995

Finance available £904 pm

2L
5.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Donnelly Mallusk Motorstore

02895908087 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

£20,549

Finance available £428 pm

2L
20.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Ipswich

01473354033 *

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI 105 SE 5dr DSG

£6,495

1.6L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Kernow Kars Ltd

01326330754 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,490

1.5L
37.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Listers Volkswagen Nuneaton

02476930658 *

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/s) (105

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

1.6L
103.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2013 (13) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,395

1.6L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Northern Car Group

01204324359 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 eTSI 150 Style 5dr DSG

£21,498

1.5L
5.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Stafford Motorstore / BYD / Vanstore / Electric

01785550896 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI 105 S 5dr DAMAGED REPAIRABLE SALVAGE

£1,750

1.6L
103.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

FULLERS AUTO SALVAGE LTD

01255449991 *

4/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 1.6 MATCH EDITION TDI BMT 5d 109 BHP (ULEZ compliant) 5-Door

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

1.6L
114.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Priceless Auto Services Ltd

01606535830 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£15,900

Finance available £326 pm

1.5L
27.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 (20) - 1.5 TSI 150 Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,991

1.5L
22.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Manual
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Portsmouth

02392004522 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (71) - 1.5 TSI R-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£15,400

Finance available £315 pm

1.5L
68.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

NAC MANCHESTER LTD

01616944750 *

Volkswagen Golf2015 - 1.6 TDI 105 Match 5dr

Reduced

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

1.6L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Bogue Motors

02890023167 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps) LOW MILES! STUNN

Low Mileage

£25,991

Finance available £513 pm

2L
14.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Cardiff Trade Sales Ltd

02922679489 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.0 TSI SE Nav DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,690

1L
26.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

UK WHEELS LIMITED

02039537447 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.5 TSI EVO GT Estate 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Reduced

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

1.5L
87.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Monarch Car Sales

01905673241 *

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 (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

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