SEAT Alhambra (2011)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,167 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,511
£209/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£325
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1984cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £2,511/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
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.
77% of MOT tests on SEAT Alhambras from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 2,167 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 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
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2011 SEAT Alhambra had 127,765 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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?
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 2011 scores 77%. 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
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. Our records list a 1984cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,167 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 127,765 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Alhambra owners cover more miles than the average driver.
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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2011 SEAT Alhambra?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 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 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
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.
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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEAT Alhambra(2011) | 77% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511 |
| Ford Focus(2013) | 78% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£283 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2013) | 72% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£283 |
| Mercedes C(2012) | 79% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511same |
| MINI(2010) | 80% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,078-£433 |
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 2011 SEAT Alhambra
Is the 2011 SEAT Alhambra reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2011 SEAT Alhambras ended in a pass, from 2,167 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2011 SEAT Alhambra cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 SEAT Alhambra?
77% of 2,167 MOT tests on the 2011 SEAT Alhambra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 384th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (bottom half).
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 2011 SEAT Alhambra?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 SEAT Alhambra is 127,765 miles, which is above the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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 UK 2026: Low Insurance Groups and Running Costs
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
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 Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (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
With outstanding finance included