The VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2004-09) 3DR HATCHBACK 1.4 TSI S is a compact, three-door family hatchback, sitting in the UK’s popular mainstream small-car class. It offers Golf practicality in a tidier, sportier-looking shape than the five-door, making it a familiar choice for everyday driving rather than a specialist runabout. Mycarcheck.com has recorded nine look-ups covering five distinct cars, so this is a small sample rather than a market-wide picture. Those checks show an average private-sale valuation of £1,500 and average recorded mileage of 100,000 miles; average annual use is 5,000 miles. The cars had about five previous keepers on average, a useful prompt to review each car’s history carefully. With its compact footprint, useful cabin and easy-to-drive character, this Golf suits commuters, couples and small households needing a practical daily car. It is roomier and more polished than many city cars, while rivals such as the Ford Focus offer similar value.