Used Volkswagen Golf for sale: everything you need to know
The Golf name dates all the way back to 1974, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. It’s among the best-known hatchbacks in the world, and also one of the best full stop - for many years now the answer to the question, ‘which family hatchback should I buy?’ has been ‘buy a Volkswagen Golf’.
The eighth-generation Golf arrived in 2020 and while it introduced a few ergonomic foibles that made some people question whether the Golf’s crown had slipped, it’s just as much an all-rounder as its predecessors, and a bit of a no-brainer if you’re shopping for a family hatch. The car’s ubiquity and wide range of models means there’s plenty of choice on the used market too, so out there somewhere there’s probably a Golf for you.
Should you buy a Volkswagen Golf?
Some will argue that part of the Golf’s shine has worn off with the latest model, introduced in 2020. That’s mainly down to its more touchscreen-heavy interior layout, which isn’t as logical to operate on first acquaintance as some of its predecessors were, and even when you’re familiar it still has some ergonomic frustrations.
Don’t let those reservations make you think the Golf is a bad car though, because it’s still among the best family hatchbacks on the road. In many ways it’s very similar to its Mk7 predecessor sold from 2012 to 2020, and that car was very hard to fault - both generations look modern, feel well-built, and have practical cabins that slot easily into family life.
You aren’t short of options with the Golf either. The latest model brought back the previous car’s wide range of petrol and diesel engines, plus a plug-in hybrid, and the extensive range of performance models - you can get a sporty Golf with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid power, and as the range-topping Golf R with well over 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Once you do get used to the screens and touch-sensitive buttons too, the interior layout is still great, the driving position excellent, and the car generally a pleasure to drive and live with.
Competition comes from all sides for the Golf, whether you’re considering mainstream rivals like the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Honda Civic and Renault Megane, or more premium options like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. That the Golf bears comparison with any of them shows how adept it is as an all-rounder.
What’s the best used Volkswagen Golf model to buy?
So broad is the Golf range that there’s no real right answer to this. The sporty versions, the GTI, GTE, GTD, and Golf R, all have their own pros and cons but are all ultimately still Golfs at the end of the day, so just as practical and nearly as easy to live with as even the most basic car. There’s a lot to be said for the most basic Golf too, which still drives well, doesn’t use much fuel, and has decent equipment levels. The best options for most people though will be somewhere in the middle of the range - the 1.5 TSI petrol, or if you do a lot of miles, one of the diesels, and Style or R-Line trim.
Used Volkswagen Golf fuel economy and performance
- Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI 110: The smallest Golf engine is a turbocharged 1-litre three-cylinder, making 110PS through a six-speed manual gearbox. 0-62mph comes up in 10.2 seconds, and average economy is 52.3mpg.
- Volkswagen Golf 1.0 eTSI 110 DSG: A mild-hybrid version of the above, it has the same power output but a standard seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. Economy improves to 54.3mpg.
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI 130: The 1.5-litre TSI 130 has the ability to shut down two cylinders at a cruise to save fuel. Economy is 52.3mpg, while 0-62mph takes 9.2 seconds.
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI 150: In more powerful 150PS form the 1.5 turbo petrol gets to 62mph in 8.5 seconds, while economy is quoted at 51.4mpg.
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI 150 DSG: Once again there’s a mild hybrid version, with a standard dual-clutch auto gearbox. VW quotes up to 49.6mpg.
- Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI eHybrid 204 DSG: The plug-in hybrid uses a slightly smaller 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. With 40 miles of EV range, official economy is 246mpg, and a dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard.
- Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI PHEV 245 DSG: This engine is offered only in the Golf GTE. It makes 245PS from 1.4 litres and electric assistance. EV range drops to 38 miles, while performance is getting into the hot hatch leagues, with 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds.
- Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 115: A 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder kicks off the diesel range, making 115PS, getting to 62mph in 10.2 seconds, and averaging 67.3mpg.
- Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 150 DSG: Another 2-litre, but with 150PS performance improves with an 8.8-second 0-62mph time, and economy drops only slightly at 62.8mpg. A dual-clutch auto gearbox is standard.
- Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 200 DSG: In 200PS form you get a 7.1-second 0-62mph sprint, and 54mpg combined economy.
- Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TSI 245: You’ll find this engine in the Golf GTI. The 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol makes 245PS, for 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds, and average economy around the 38mpg mark.
- Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TSI 300 DSG: In Clubsport form the TSI’s power grows to 300PS, with a corresponding performance improvement - 0-62mph takes only 5.6 seconds.
- Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TSI 320 DSG 4Motion: At the top of the Golf range, the Golf R gets a 320PS version of the 2-litre turbo petrol, along with the dual-clutch auto gearbox and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. 0-62mph is over in 4.7 seconds.
What used Volkswagen Golf trim levels are available?
There’s been a broad range of trim lines on the Golf over the years, and a hefty proportion of the current range is made up of the sportiest models - each of which is differentiated by different colours and details, as well as simply its equipment. VW offers several options on all models too, so keep an eye out for extra kit on used examples.
- The Volkswagen Golf Life is where the Mk8 Golf range starts, with a good level of technology and connectivity, and standard alloy wheels.
- The Volkswagen Golf Style gets larger alloys than the Life, plus LED ‘Plus’ headlights and three-zone climate control.
- The Volkswagen Golf R-Line has a sporty appearance, with specific bumpers, sports seats, and tinted rear glass.
- The Volkswagen Golf GTE is the first of five Golf hot hatchbacks, and comes only with the 245PS plug-in hybrid engine arrangement. It’s denoted by GTI-style looks, but blue trim and interior fabric accents in place of the GTI’s red details.
- The Volkswagen Golf GTD is the diesel equivalent, with similar levels of kit to the GTE and GTI, but this time a black and grey theme to its styling and interior.
- The Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the most celebrated names in the industry. Its equipment is similar to the GTE and GTD, but with red accents, and the 245PS 2-litre TSI engine.
- The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport gets the more powerful 300PS petrol, as well as different alloy wheels, Clubsport bumpers, and side graphics to differentiate it from regular GTIs.
- The Volkswagen Golf R comes with an R styling pack, black diamond-turned alloys, quad exhaust tailpipes, and the option of Lapiz Blue paint not available on other Golfs.
Used Volkswagen Golf dimensions and boot size
The Volkswagen Golf’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4284mm
- Width: 1789mm
- Height: 1491mm
- Ground clearance: 134mm
The Volkswagen Golf’s boot size is:
- 381 litres
- 1237 litres with rear seats folded
Used Volkswagen Golf road tax
Keep an eye out for the tax on GTE, GTI, and Golf R models, as the first two of these are close enough to the government’s £40,000 threshold for attracting a VED surcharge, and the R is comfortably over it. This means they’ll cost £600 a year to tax at current rates (£590 for the GTE, thanks to being an ‘alternative fuel vehicle’), until the car’s seventh year on the road. It may not affect all GTEs and GTIs, but those it does will cost a pretty penny, since the regular tax rate for petrol and diesel Golfs is £190, and £180 for the plug-in hybrids.
How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Golf?
Insuring your Golf starts with the 1.0 TSI Life in group 14. Opt for the 1.5 TSI 150 and insurance starts from group 19, while diesels begin a little lower, in group 17. The GTD and GTE find themselves in group 27, the GTI in group 28, and the Golf R from group 31. These insurance groups are par for the class - most other family hatchbacks will cost similar money to insure, like for like.
