1.9 TDI (ALH) vs 1.6 MPI

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+10 points over 1.6 MPI
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.6 MPI Volkswagen

Specifications

1.9 TDI (ALH)
1.6 MPI
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BEST
BUY
Reliability
92
82
Years
1996--2006
2000--2015
Displacement
1896 cc
1598 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
90 hp
102--110 hp
Known Issues
3
0
Total Risk Cost
€1,150--€2,900
€0--€0

Character

1.9 TDI (ALH)

"The legendary ALH. 500k+ miles documented. Simple mechanical injection. Nearly unkillable. Belt-driven."

1.6 MPI

"Simple, slow, reliable. No turbo = no turbo problems. Basic transport. Polo/Golf/Caddy."

Issues Comparison

1.9 TDI (ALH) 3

▲ HIGH
Timing belt replacement — interference engine €250--€500 60,000 km--90,000 km
○ MINOR
Injection pump wear (very high mileage) €400--€1,200 250,000 km--∞
○ MINOR
Turbo wear at very high mileage €500--€1,200 200,000 km--∞

1.6 MPI 0

No documented issues.

Models

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback

1.6 MPI 24

A4 B5 1995--2001 Felicia 791 1996--2001 Polo 6N 1995--2001 Ibiza Mk2 (6K) 1993--2002 Octavia 1U 1999--2004 Toledo Mk2 (1M) 1999--2004 Golf Mk4 (1J) 1997--2003 Leon Mk1 (1M) 1999--2006 A3 8L 1996--2003 Octavia 1U 1996--2004 Golf Mk3 (1H) 1992--1997 Passat B5 (3B) 1996--2005 Cordoba 6K/6L 1999--2009 Ibiza 6K 1993--2002 Leon 1M 1999--2005 Toledo Mk3 (5P) 2005--2009 Altea 5P 2004--2015 Octavia 1Z 2004--2013 Leon Mk2 (1P) 2005--2010 A3 8P 2003--2012 Exeo 3R 2009--2013 Caddy 2K 2004--2010 Leon 1P 2005--2012 Fabia 5J 2007--2010
Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report Full 1.6 MPI Report