I know you don't really care for VW, but what are your thoughts on a VW JETTA TDI with a 5 SPEED MANUAL 1.9 ALH Engine? What are some common issues that you've seen? What are its problems? I just recently bought one with 221k miles and love it so far... getting close to 55mpg.
It's a 2000
The 1.9 TDI is one of VW's best engines and it isn't unusual to see them go a long way. Do keep aware of the plastics in the car, as you car is old and things might start to break.
You didn’t mention the model year, but assuming the car was thoroughly inspected (since it’s been ages since VW stopped the 1.9L pumpe düse), it should be good to go for another 200,000 miles.
This engine + transmission combo is renowned for going easily to 500,000 miles or more. I just hope it was maintained well and not abused.
@dan may provide further insight.
It’s a solid engine, much better than anything modern.
According to reliable online sources, they fail when valve seats wear out and it losses compression - but other then that, if you replace the timing belt it’s solid.
These 1.9 engines are known to be some of the best they ever made.
