Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf R for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 135 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 5/5 user-rated car with an expert rating of 7.83/10. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

The 2017 Golf R is built for you if you want a performance hatchback that still works as an everyday commuter. Its all-wheel drive, extra power, and adaptive suspension help it feel at home on a winding road, while the added parking sensors, lane-departure warning and intervention, and auto high beams make it easier to live with day to day.

The market also shows 37.8% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Golf R’s appeal here is less about simple transportation and more about delivering a high level of performance without giving up everyday usability. The expert evaluation also points to strong chassis balance, confident grip, and a well-rounded setup that can handle both commuting and spirited driving.

The performance tuning and added equipment make it a more complex used buy than a standard hatchback, so you should pay close attention to maintenance history and how the car has been driven over time.

What should I look for when buying a used 2017 Volkswagen Golf R?

At 66.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been modified or driven hard. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the performance hardware and safety equipment are functioning as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The fully equipped version adds navigation and Dynamic Chassis Control, while the earlier limited-release base version came without the safety systems, navigation, or Dynamic Chassis Control.
• Powertrain: You get an amped-up 2-liter turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive, and the car delivers explosive acceleration with a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds.
• Safety package: The standard Driver Assistance Package includes parking sensors front and rear, forward collision warning and intervention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise, and auto high beams.
• Infotainment: Navigation is standard on this version, and the car is positioned as more technologically equipped than before.
• Fuel efficiency:

Which 2017 Volkswagen Golf R trim should I buy?

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R is offered in 1 trim level: Dynamic Chassis Control with Navigation.

Here's the short version:

The Dynamic Chassis Control with Navigation trim is the one to focus on because it bundles the equipment that defines this model year: navigation, Dynamic Chassis Control, and the now-standard Driver Assistance Package. That makes it the best-value choice by default, since there isn’t a broader trim ladder to sort through here.

The safety package note matters here: the standard Driver Assistance Package adds the key driver-assistance features that help make this version easier to recommend.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2017 Volkswagen Golf R?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it makes sense to shop with a clear target and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 37.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 135 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 66.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,390, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R's resale value?

The current average of $22,874 sits slightly above last year's $22,707.

That small increase suggests the market has stayed relatively stable, which is a good sign if you’re thinking about eventual resale. A car that holds its value without sharp swings usually gives future sellers a more predictable exit point.

Because this model year also carries strong owner satisfaction, demand should remain supported among shoppers looking for a performance hatchback with everyday usability.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R safe?

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, despite receiving four-star ratings in the overall front and front passenger tests. It also earns a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard Driver Assistance Package includes parking sensors front and rear, forward collision warning and intervention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise, and auto high beams. One caveat is that IIHS noted poor headlight visibility to the sides, especially around corners.

Should I buy a 2017 Volkswagen Golf R or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2017 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2017 if:

• 37.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 66.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2017 stands out for making the Driver Assistance Package standard, along with navigation and Dynamic Chassis Control.

The bottom line: If you want the most complete version of this Golf R generation, the 2017 is the one to target because it packages the core performance and convenience features together. If you’re more price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby years and focus on the best-condition example rather than chasing the newest badge.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.