4.2 V8 vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+32 points over 4.2 V8
0 / 100
CAUTION 4.2 V8 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

4.2 V8
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
60
92
Years
2002--2010
1996--2006
Displacement
4163 cc
1896 cc
Layout
V8
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
310 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,500--€4,000
€1,150--€2,900

Character

4.2 V8

"Touareg V8. Timing chain at rear of engine. Carbon buildup. Oil consumption. Expensive timing chain job. Same V8 as Audi. Powerful but maintenance-hungry."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

4.2 V8 1

◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain at rear €1,500--€4,000 80,000 km--150,000 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

4.2 V8 1

Touareg 7L 2003--2006

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full 4.2 V8 Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report