Volkswagen Golf: what it really costs to run in the UK
The benchmark compact car for 50 years. The Golf does everything well and holds its value better than almost any rival.
Based on 1,000 km (about 621 miles) a month on mixed roads. Prices: £17,000 for a 2–4-year-old one, up to £32,680 new. All assumptions →
Buying a 2–4-year-old Golf on finance
| Monthly cost | £/month |
|---|---|
| Loan payment (80% financed, 5% APR, 3 years) | £408 |
| Fuel / electricity | £88 |
| Insurance (estimate) | £50 |
| Road tax | £16 |
| Maintenance | £47 |
| Total per month | £609 |
| Over 3 years | £ |
|---|---|
| 20% deposit | £3,400 |
| 36 monthly costs | £21,920 |
| Total paid out | £25,319 |
| Minus estimated resale value (~55%) | −£9,350 |
| Net 3-year cost | £15,969 |
Leasing a new Golf
| Monthly cost | £/month |
|---|---|
| Lease payment (typical deal: 36 months, 10,000 miles a year, upfront payment spread over the term) | £335 |
| Fuel / electricity | £88 |
| Insurance (estimate) | £95 |
| Road tax and maintenance | Usually included |
| Total per month | £519 |
Leasing compares a new car with buying a 2–4-year-old one, so the two are different cars. At the end of a lease you hand the car back; buying leaves you with the resale value, which is why buying is shown net.
Road tax
UK vehicle tax for a car this age is the flat standard rate, £200/yr, whatever its CO₂.
CO₂: 126 g/km.
Engines
- 1.5 eTSI 150hp mild hybrid (recommended)
- 2.0 TDI 150hp diesel
Costs above use the first engine listed. Bigger engines cost more to buy, insure and fuel.
Why people choose the Golf
- Best-in-class all-rounder
- Strong resale value
- Available in eTSI mild hybrid, PHEV and GTI
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