Volkswagen Golf 2008-2013 Used Car Review - Trade Me

Motors reviews & advice Search articles (optional) Search

• Car reviews
• Feature articles
• Buying advice
• Selling advice
• Motors listing fees
• Find a vehicle
• List a vehicle

Volkswagen Golf 2008-2013 used car review

The Volkswagen Golf is a super-efficient and well-built small hatch.

Richard Edwards Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group Inside and out On the road Safety Reliability Cost of ownership Buyers' guide Details Image gallery

Share:

Share on FacebookShare via emailShare on LinkedInShare on MessengerCopy link Exterior , 4 out of 5full starfull starfull starfull starempty star

4

Drive , 4 out of 5full starfull starfull starfull starempty star

4

Safety , 5 out of 5full starfull starfull starfull starfull star

5

Value , 5 out of 5full starfull starfull starfull starfull star

5

Interior , 2.5 out of 5full starfull starhalf starempty starempty star

2.5

Overall score , 4.1 out of 5 4.1 / 5

The good

• Diesel is super fuel efficient with a massive range
• Feels very well built inside
• Spacious rear seat and boot

The not-so-good

• The dual-clutch transmission has been troublesome
• Expensive to service

Inside and out

On the road

Safety

Reliability

Cost of ownership

Buyers' guide

Variants

Timeline

Details

Review vehicle

2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI Trendline

Price

$6,500 to $18,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km

Engine

1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged, 77kW/250Nm (claimed)

Transmission

Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive

Safety rating

Five-star ANCAP rating

Servicing

15,000km or 12 months

Spare wheel

Space saver

Fuel economy

4.8-litres per 100km (claimed)

Fuel type

Diesel

Length

4204mm

Width

1759mm

Height

1479mm

Turning circle

10m

Image gallery

Previous imageNext image Richard Edwards Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group

Also consider

Review 2022 Fiat 500 Dolcevita review

OMG, a modern day Cinquecento for just over $20k. Is that some sort of Italian bargain or what? For some perhaps...

Peter Louisson Review 2023 Toyota GR Corolla vs 2023 Honda Civic Type R comparison review

It’s difficult to separate these two, each with character and quirks that will endear them to those after a hot hatch.

Kyle Cassidy Review Nissan Tiida 2004-2012 used car review

The Nissan Tiida is a practical and family-focused everyday car.

Sam Domett Start a listingWatchlistFavouritesMy Trade Me

• Marketplace
• Latest deals
• Stores
• Closing soon
• $1 reserve
• Home & Living

• Property
• International property
• News & guides
• Sold Properties
• OneHub for agents
• Find a Real Estate Agent

• Motors
• Browse all cars
• Other vehicles
• Buying & Selling
• Dealer news & info
• Sell your car

• Jobs
• Browse categories
• Careers advice
• JobSmart
• Advertisers advice
• Salary guide

• Services
• Trades
• Domestic services
• Events & entertainment
• Health & wellbeing
• List my services

• Community
• Help
• Announcements
• Trust & safety
• Seller information
• Help center community

© 2026 Trade Me Limited

• Desktop site
• About us
• Careers
• Advertise
• Privacy policy
• Terms & conditions
• Contact Us

• 
• 
• 
• 
•