VR6 3.6 vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+22 points over VR6 3.6
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE VR6 3.6 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

VR6 3.6
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
70
92
Years
2005--2016
1996--2006
Displacement
3597 cc
1896 cc
Layout
VR6
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
280--300 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€500--€1,500
€1,150--€2,900

Character

VR6 3.6

"Passat R36, Touareg, Eos. Largest VR6. Chain driven. Timing chain guides. Oil consumption. Less characterful than 3.2 but more torque. Good long-distance cruiser."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

VR6 3.6 1

● MODERATE
Timing chain guide wear €500--€1,500 150,000 km--250,000 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

VR6 3.6 4

Touareg 7L 2006--2010 Q7 4L 2006--2010 Passat B6 (3C) 2007--2010 Superb 3T 2008--2015

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full VR6 3.6 Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report