2004 SEAT Alhambra diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 SEAT Alhambra diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 SEAT Alhambra diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  35.2% All 2004 cars

  17.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 3% of all 2004 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 mountings3.4× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  20.7% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.6%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.1× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  20.4% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Front strut mounts and bushes13.5× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  10.8% All 2004 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

• Chassis rust or damage3.9× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  13.5% All 2004 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.1% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 SEAT Alhambra diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 SEAT Alhambra diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  66% 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
  55% 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
  45% 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
  37% 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
  28% 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
  21% 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 2004 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 2× as often on the 2004 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 3.4× as often on the 2004 SEAT Alhambra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2004 SEAT Alhambra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?