It’s not. My dad was diesel mechanic and has owned several. My best friend fixes cars for a living and own 6 diesels (lol) and he turned me on to TDIs. As he says without hesitation, “they’re the best cars.” And they are. My sister has a TDI and my brother has 2 also 😂 my dad and another friend of my mine all own ford 7.3 liter diesel from 2001-2002. All have been insanely reliable.