SEAT ALHAMBRA (2014)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,129 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,707
£142/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1968cc Diesel
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national 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
~48 mpg
Based on 1968cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.
At 12 years old, 81% of SEAT ALHAMBRAs from 2014 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,129 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,232 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
110,232
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2014 SEAT ALHAMBRA has 110,232 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2014 sits between the two at 81%.
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 2014 SEAT ALHAMBRA
The 2014 SEAT ALHAMBRA is a family car with a 1968cc diesel engine. 3,129 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2014, the average MOT pass rate is 81%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 110,232 miles at 12 years old, SEAT ALHAMBRA owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2014 SEAT ALHAMBRA Fuel Costs
The 1968cc 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 2014 SEAT ALHAMBRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,707 (£142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 2014 SEAT ALHAMBRA
At 12 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 2014 SEAT ALHAMBRA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 110k 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.
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 2014 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(2014) | 81% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1707 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2015) | 89% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£130 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£20 |
| AUDI A3(2015) | 88% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£262 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2016) | 80% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £1900+£193 |
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
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2015 · 1968cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2013 · 1700cc Diesel
AUDI A3
2015 · 1598cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Seat Alhambra.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Buying Guide15 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
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