Second Hand Volkswagen Golf Rear Tailgate

Both years fall within the Mk7 Golf (2012–2020, facelift 2017), so you are working within the same generation and platform, which is the right starting point. However, because 2015 is pre-facelift and 2018 is post-facelift, there may be pressing or aperture differences around the rear glass and light clusters — confirm with the breaker against both registration plates before buying.

No — the Mk6 Golf ran from 2008 to 2012 and the Mk7 from 2012 to 2020, and these are different generations on different platforms, so the tailgates are not interchangeable. Always buy from the same generation as your car.

Yes, this matters significantly — the 3-door and 5-door Golf have different rear apertures and tailgate pressing, so they do not interchange. Make sure the tailgate you buy matches your door count exactly, and confirm this with the breaker.

Trim level does not affect tailgate fitment on the Golf — the same pressing is used across SE, SE Nav, GT, R-Line, GTI and similar grades within a given generation and body style. You may find cosmetic differences such as a spoiler lip or different finisher on sportier trims, so factor that in for appearance, but the panel itself will fit regardless of trim.

No — the Golf SV (also known as the Golf Plus in earlier form) is a taller, higher-roofed body style with a completely different rear end, and its tailgate will not fit a standard Golf hatchback. Body style is the first thing to match when sourcing a used tailgate.

Both a 2010 and a 2011 Golf fall within the Mk6 generation (2008–2012), so you are within the same platform and generation, which is a good sign. That said, confirm the door count matches (3-door or 5-door) and check both registrations with the breaker, as mid-generation pressing changes can occasionally occur and cannot be ruled out from year alone.