Models · Volkswagen
Volkswagen Golf Mk8 buying guide
The eighth-generation Golf, on UK sale from February 2020 as a five-door hatchback, with TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, the GTI, GTD and GTI Clubsport. Estate and Alltrack versions followed in November 2020.
The versions
- Petrol: 1.0 TSI (109bhp) and 1.5 TSI (128bhp or 148bhp), plus eTSI mild hybrid versions
- Diesel: 2.0 TDI (114bhp or 148bhp) and the GTD (197bhp)
- GTI (242bhp) and GTI Clubsport (296bhp)
- Six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG; at launch the 2.0 TDI came only with the DSG
- The GTE and eHybrid plug-in hybrids aren't covered here, and the Golf R has its own page
What to check on a Mk8 Golf
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Infotainment and software
What to look for: Spend a few minutes with the touchscreen: check it responds promptly, pair your phone, try the sat nav, and test keyless entry and start. Watch for warning messages on the dashboard. Ask whether software updates have been done.
Why it matters: Software errors are the most common complaint on the Mk8, from a slow or failed touchscreen to phone pairing problems, keyless glitches, false safety warnings and, on some cars, the engine cutting out. Minor updates arrive over the air, but major ones need a dealer, so a car with its updates done is the better buy.
AdBlue warnings on diesels
What to look for: On a 2.0 TDI or GTD, look for AdBlue or emissions warnings on the dashboard at start-up and during the drive, and ask whether any AdBlue system work has been done.
Why it matters: AdBlue system problems are among the reported diesel faults. A car that shows no warnings and has a record of any repairs is what you want.
DSG behaviour
What to look for: On a DSG car, pull away gently several times and drive in slow traffic. Note any erratic or jerky changes, or hesitation.
Why it matters: Volkswagen had sorted the worst of its earlier DSG problems before this generation, but some early cars have had gearbox faults reported, and diesel owners report gearbox problems. A gearbox that shifts smoothly and predictably is the sign of a healthy unit.
Also in the full guide
- Recall work
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Mk8 Golf
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Volkswagen Golf Mk4 · Volkswagen Golf Mk5 · Volkswagen Golf Mk6 · Volkswagen Golf Mk7/7.5
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Volkswagen.