Volkswagen Golf

4 chassis covered · 2003–2019 · 15 engine variants

Generations

Chassis	Body	Years	Engines	M	Avg risk	Price span	Character
Mk5	hatchback	2003–2009	3	–	R3	€1,400–€7,000	The generation that made the Golf feel expensive again, and now the cheapest way into a modern one. Rides and steers better than its price suggests; the risk is entirely in which engine and gearbox it left the factory with.
Mk6	hatchback	2009–2013	2	–	R4	€3,050–€11,450	A heavily revised Mk5 rather than a new car: quieter, better finished, and carrying the same drivetrain questions with slightly better answers.
Mk7	hatchback	2012–2019	4	1	R2	€5,000–€18,000	The generation where the Golf got lighter, quieter and considerably better, and the one most people should be shopping for now.
Mk7 Variant	wagon	2013–2019	4	1	R2	€5,250–€18,900	The estate, which costs a little more than the hatch and is worth it if you carry anything at all.

● in production · ◐ facelift year, the changeover often splits engines mid-year, so verify the engine code rather than the registration date.