1.9 TDI (ALH) vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+12 points over 1.8 NA
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

1.9 TDI (ALH)
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BEST
BUY
Reliability
92
80
Years
1996--2006
1991--2000
Displacement
1896 cc
1781 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
90 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
3
1
Total Risk Cost
€1,150--€2,900
€200--€400

Character

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

1.8 NA

"Golf III/IV, Passat B4. Simple 8V NA. Hydraulic lifters. Timing belt (interference). Oil leaks. Nearly unbreakable with basic maintenance. One of VW's most reliable engines."

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--∞

1.8 NA 1

▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €200--€400 60,000 km--90,000 km

Models

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

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

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report Full 1.8 NA Report