SEAT Alhambra (2017)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 9,699 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,003

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1395cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1395cc9 years old9,699 tests86k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1395cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,003

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/wk

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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

86% of MOT tests on SEAT Alhambras from 2017 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 7 years old. That's based on 9,699 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 86,445 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2017 models358th of 540(bottom half)

Rank among SEAT models174th of 310(bottom half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2017 models average-1%(87% avg)

vs SEAT average+1%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,445

Average miles

51,800

Expected for age

The average 2017 SEAT Alhambra had 86,445 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.

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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 2017 scores 86%. 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

Ford Fiesta

2015 · 998cc Petrol

£1,600/year

81%

-5%

Vauxhall Corsa

2015 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

78%

-8%

Ford Focus

2015 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,078/year

85%

-1%

Nissan Qashqai

2017 · 1200cc Petrol

£1,780/year

86%

same

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About the 2017 SEAT Alhambra

The 2017 SEAT Alhambra is a small family car. Our records list a 1395cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 9,699 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2017, the average MOT pass rate is 87%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 86,445 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Alhambra owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.

2017 SEAT Alhambra Fuel Costs

The 1395cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 2017 SEAT Alhambra?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,003 (£167/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2017 SEAT Alhambra

At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. With 9,699 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2017 SEAT Alhambra Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 1,198 MOT tests on the 2017 SEAT Alhambra that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Tyres46%
Same age: 27% (fails on this more often)
Suspension27%
Same age: 26%
Lights and electrics19%
Same age: 28% (fails on this less often)
Brakes16%
Same age: 20% (fails on this less often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · SEAT Alhambra reliability, common problems and years to avoid

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.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 86k 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.

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 2017 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(2017)	86%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,003
Ford Fiesta(2015)	81%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,600-£403
Vauxhall Corsa(2015)	78%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£150
Ford Focus(2015)	85%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078+£75
Nissan Qashqai(2017)	86%	£1,175	£200	Grp 5-15	£1,780-£223

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 2017 SEAT Alhambra

Is the 2017 SEAT Alhambra reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2017 SEAT Alhambras ended in a pass, from 9,699 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2017 SEAT Alhambra cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,003 a year (£167 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 SEAT Alhambra?

86% of 9,699 MOT tests on the 2017 SEAT Alhambra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 358th of 540 models first registered in 2017 (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 2017 SEAT Alhambra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2017 SEAT Alhambra is 86,445 miles, which is well above the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.