SEAT ALHAMBRA (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 91 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
91
Avg Mileage
142,462 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,927
Is the 1998 SEAT ALHAMBRA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 66% of SEAT ALHAMBRAs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 91 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 142,462 miles.
How does the 1998 SEAT ALHAMBRA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 SEAT ALHAMBRA has 142,462 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a SEAT ALHAMBRA?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1998 sits between the two at 66%.
How much does a 1998 SEAT ALHAMBRA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SEAT ALHAMBRA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 73% | 75 | 27,872 mi |
| 2020 | 88% | 1,380 | 38,278 mi |
| 2019 | 88% | 4,394 | 53,999 mi |
| 2018 | 88% | 4,108 | 70,018 mi |
| 2017 | 86% | 9,699 | 86,445 mi |
| 2016 | 85% | 6,815 | 106,522 mi |
| 2015 | 82% | 3,698 | 112,826 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 3,129 | 110,232 mi |
| 2013 | 79% | 2,677 | 111,898 mi |
| 2012 | 76% | 2,514 | 124,005 mi |
| 2011 | 77% | 2,167 | 127,765 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 643 | 135,758 mi |
| 2009 | 66% | 615 | 140,976 mi |
| 2008 | 67% | 967 | 143,588 mi |
| 2007 | 64% | 858 | 139,944 mi |
| 2006 | 66% | 642 | 145,145 mi |
| 2005 | 67% | 526 | 149,540 mi |
| 2004 | 65% | 676 | 151,281 mi |
| 2003 | 63% | 393 | 147,953 mi |
| 2002 | 62% | 208 | 142,785 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 68 | 133,983 mi |
| 1999 | 70% | 40 | 137,426 mi |
| 1998 | 66% | 91 | 142,462 mi |
| 1997 | 73% | 52 | 126,277 mi |
Checking a specific SEAT ALHAMBRA?
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About the 1998 SEAT ALHAMBRA
The 1998 SEAT ALHAMBRA is a family car with a 1896cc diesel engine. 91 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 142,462 miles at 26 years old, SEAT ALHAMBRA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 SEAT ALHAMBRA Fuel Costs
The 1896cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1998 SEAT ALHAMBRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
SEAT ALHAMBRA Reliability Trend
Newer SEAT ALHAMBRAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 SEAT ALHAMBRA
At 26 years old, the SEAT ALHAMBRA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 91 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 SEAT ALHAMBRA
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2000) 77% pass rate (+11%) from 4,799 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1999) 72% pass rate (+6%) from 4,393 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1998) 65% pass rate (-1%) from 4,382 tests
- MERCEDES C (1997) 81% pass rate (+15%) from 2,336 tests