SEAT ALHAMBRA (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,167 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1984cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 5 points below average.
Check a specific SEAT ALHAMBRA
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1984cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this SEAT ALHAMBRA
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.
At 15 years old, 77% of SEAT ALHAMBRAs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,167 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 127,765 miles.
Got a SEAT ALHAMBRA you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
127,765
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 SEAT ALHAMBRA has 127,765 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific SEAT ALHAMBRA?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2011 sits between the two at 77%.
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
Check a Specific Seat Alhambra
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2011 SEAT ALHAMBRA
The 2011 SEAT ALHAMBRA is a family car with a 1984cc petrol engine. 2,167 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 127,765 miles at 15 years old, SEAT ALHAMBRA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2011 SEAT ALHAMBRA Fuel Costs
The 1984cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2011 SEAT ALHAMBRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2011 SEAT ALHAMBRA
At 15 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
Based on the 2011 SEAT ALHAMBRA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 15 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 128k 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2011 SEAT ALHAMBRA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEAT ALHAMBRA(2011) | 77% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| MERCEDES C(2012) | 79% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| MINI MINI(2010) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£520 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Seat Models
Explore other Seat cars or similar models in the same category.
SEAT LEON
2018 · 1395cc Petrol
SEAT IBIZA
2014 · 1198cc Petrol
SEAT ARONA
2019 · 1000cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2013 · 1600cc Petrol
MERCEDES C
2012 · 1796cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Seat Alhambra.
15 Best First Cars for New Drivers UK 2026: Ranked by True Cost
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific SEAT ALHAMBRA
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a SEAT ALHAMBRA? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data