DSG DQ250 vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+14 points over DSG DQ250
0 / 100
BUY DSG DQ250 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

DSG DQ250
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
78
92
Years
2003--present
1996--2006
Displacement
N/A
1896 cc
Layout
N/A
I4
Type
Transmission
Diesel
Power
N/A
90 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€150--€300
€1,150--€2,900

Character

DSG DQ250

"Wet-clutch = better heat management. GTI/R/TDI. Oil changes critical. Much more reliable than DQ200. Handles high torque."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

DSG DQ250 1

● MODERATE
DSG fluid service (often neglected) €150--€300 40,000 km--60,000 km

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--∞

Models

DSG DQ250 0

No models listed.

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full DSG DQ250 Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report