VR6 3.2 vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+14 points over VR6 3.2
0 / 100
BUY VR6 3.2 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

VR6 3.2
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
78
92
Years
2003--2009
1996--2006
Displacement
3189 cc
1896 cc
Layout
V6
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
250 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
0
3
Total Risk Cost
€0--€0
€1,150--€2,900

Character

VR6 3.2

"Unique narrow-angle V6. Glorious sound. R32/TT 3.2. Timing chain at high mileage."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

VR6 3.2 0

No documented issues.

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 3.2 3

Touareg 7L 2002--2006 Golf Mk4 (1J) 2002--2003 Golf Mk5 (1K) 2005--2008

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full VR6 3.2 Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report