SEAT Alhambra (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 642 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

66%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1984cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

66% pass rate, £2,427/year to run. 16 points below average.

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Diesel1984cc20 years old642 tests145k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1984cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

66% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.

66% of MOT tests on SEAT Alhambras from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 642 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 145,145 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models511th of 554(bottom 8%)

Rank among SEAT models295th of 310(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-16%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average-7%(73% avg)

vs SEAT average-19%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

145,145

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 SEAT Alhambra had 145,145 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2006 scores 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2007 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

+7%

Vauxhall Astra

2007 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

71%

+5%

Honda Civic

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

+6%

Audi A4

2008 · 1968cc Diesel

£2,227/year

78%

+12%

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About the 2006 SEAT Alhambra

The 2006 SEAT Alhambra is a family car. Our records list a 1984cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 642 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 8% of 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 145,145 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Alhambra owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 SEAT Alhambra Fuel Costs

The 1984cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2006 SEAT Alhambra?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 17 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2006 SEAT Alhambra

At 20 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 145k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 66% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2006 SEAT Alhambra stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
SEAT Alhambra(2006)	66%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,427
Volkswagen Golf(2007)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£200
Vauxhall Astra(2007)	71%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£200
Honda Civic(2007)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£214
Audi A4(2008)	78%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2006 SEAT Alhambra

Is the 2006 SEAT Alhambra reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 66% of MOT tests on 2006 SEAT Alhambras ended in a pass, from 642 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 SEAT Alhambra cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,427 a year (£202 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 SEAT Alhambra?

66% of 642 MOT tests on the 2006 SEAT Alhambra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 511th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (bottom 8%).

Which year SEAT Alhambra has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 SEAT Alhambra has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2002 the lowest at 62%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 SEAT Alhambra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 SEAT Alhambra is 145,145 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.