Used Volkswagen Golf 2009 - 2013 review

Introduced in 2009, this sixth-generation version of the VW Golf wasn’t really an all-new model, but rather a heavily revised version of the used 2004-2009 VW Golf.

However, as a basis for a car, the older car was a fine starting point, and Volkswagen addressed its few weaknesses with the Mk6.

Noise suppression was improved, making the 'new' Golf so hushed that it rivalled many luxury cars in this area, while the chassis engineers also earned their money, providing sharper handling to go with the already impressive ride comfort.

All of this combined with the Golf’s usual strong points of high quality and understated but smart looks, as did a range of fine engines that deliver good fuel economy.

Plentiful choice in engine and trim levels and keen pricing when new also appealed, and the Golf remains a popular choice on the used market, despite the fact it commands a premium over obvious mainstream rivals.

If you want a used car that’ll do everything well, then the Golf should be very high up your shopping list.

There are plenty of sixth-generation Volkswagen Golfs to choose from, with prices starting at around £3000 for the earliest, highest-mileage examples. However, we reckon it's a better bet to spend a little more and get a car with average miles of around 10,000 per year, and a full service history, for which you'll need to pay at least £3800. And if you want a diesel model, that figure rises again, to closer to £5000.

You’ll pay significantly more for the sporting models, meanwhile, with good-quality GTIs starting at about £8500. And if you want the seriously potent, four-wheel-drive Golf R, you'll need to budget at least £14,500.

The impressive fuel economy of the diesels means fuel stops will be infrequent, with these able to return more than 50mpg in everyday driving.

In addition, many Mk6 Golfs are old enough that you can venture outside the main dealer network, which will save you on servicing; a typical service is likely to cost no more than £150.

Insurance will be comparable to mainstream alternatives, although the sportier GTI, R and GTD versions obviously attract higher premiums.

Consumables, such as tyres, brake parts and wiper blades, can all be bought cheaply from most motor suppliers.

The Mk6 Volkswagen Golf was offered with a wide range of engines and trim levels, ranging from the frugal TDI diesels to the fast GTI, and the GTD, which mixes elements of both.

The diesel line-up comprised 1.6 and 2.0-litre units, with the smaller engine having either 89bhp or 103bhp, and the 2.0-litre 138bhp or 168bhp. The 138bhp 2.0-litre offers the best balance of performance and affordability, although only the 89bhp 1.6 feels underpowered.

As for the petrol engines, the entry-level 1.4 produces a fairly measly 79bhp, whereas the 1.4 TSI 122 is as gutsy as it is smooth, making it our pick of the range.

If you buy the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI you’ll get a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 207bhp, while the R model pumps out a heady 267bhp and adds four-wheel drive to help exploit it all.

Trim levels included S, SE and GT when the car went on sale, but Match trim, which was introduced in 2010 is our favourite, coming loaded with luxuries.

All Golfs have air conditioning, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, seven airbags and electronic stability control.

Our favourite used Volkswagen Golf: 1.4 TSI Match

The usual suspects of the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, as well as the Volkswagen Golf’’s Spanish cousin the Seat Leon, are worth considering because they don’t hold their value as well and so are cheaper to buy used.

However, perhaps the most tempting alternative is the bigger, more practical Skoda Octavia, which is closely related and uses the same engines.

The Golf also competes with premium-badged offerings, such as the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. While it may not have quite the same badge appeal, it’s more comfortable than the Audi and a lot more practical than the BMW.

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