2003 SEAT Alhambra diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 SEAT Alhambra diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 SEAT Alhambra diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  33.5% All 2003 cars

  18.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 3.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.1× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  19% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.1%, against 3.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Chassis rust or damage4.3× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  15.3% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 1.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Steering rack8.1× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  12.9% All 2003 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Body structure rust or damage4.5× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  13.5% All 2003 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Common 2003 SEAT Alhambra diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 SEAT Alhambra diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  65% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  57% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  44% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  30% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Driveshafts and joints
  17% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 SEAT Alhambra diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 SEAT Alhambra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2003 SEAT Alhambra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2003 SEAT Alhambra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?