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SEAT Alhambra (2021)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 75 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,152

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1968cc Diesel

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,152/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Diesel1968cc5 years old75 tests28k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397
Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,152
Per month£179/mo
Per week£41/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. 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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.

73% of MOT tests on SEAT Alhambras from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 75 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 27,872 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 models3322nd of 3,336(bottom 1%)
Rank among SEAT models263rd of 310(bottom 16%)
vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)
vs 2021 models average-19%(92% avg)
vs SEAT average-12%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

27,872

Average miles

vs

22,200

Expected for age

The average 2021 SEAT Alhambra had 27,872 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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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 2021 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

SEAT Alhambra by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202173%7527,872 mi
202088%1,38038,278 mi
201988%4,39453,999 mi
201888%4,10870,018 mi
201786%9,69986,445 mi
201685%6,815106,522 mi
201582%3,698112,826 mi
201481%3,129110,232 mi
201379%2,677111,898 mi
201276%2,514124,005 mi
201177%2,167127,765 mi
201073%643135,758 mi
200966%615140,976 mi
200867%967143,588 mi
200764%858139,944 mi
200666%642145,145 mi
200567%526149,540 mi
200465%676151,281 mi
200363%393147,953 mi
200262%208142,785 mi
200172%68133,983 mi
199970%40137,426 mi
199866%91142,462 mi
199773%52126,277 mi

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About the 2021 SEAT Alhambra

The 2021 SEAT Alhambra is a family car. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 75 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 1% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 27,872 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Alhambra owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2021 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 £1,397 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 2021 SEAT Alhambra?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,152 (£179/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% 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 2021 SEAT Alhambra

At 5 years old, the SEAT Alhambra offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 75 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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

Medium risk

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

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Low risk

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

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 2021 SEAT Alhambra stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
SEAT Alhambra(2021)73%£1,397£200Grp 18-32£2,152
Ford Focus(2019)89%£1,219£200Grp 12-25£1,824-£328
Ford Kuga(2019)91%£1,397£200Grp 18-32£1,852-£300
Volkswagen Polo(2019)89%£1,219£200Grp 12-25£1,824-£328
Kia Sportage(2019)89%£1,219£200Grp 12-25£1,824-£328

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 2021 SEAT Alhambra

Is the 2021 SEAT Alhambra reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2021 SEAT Alhambras ended in a pass, from 75 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2021 SEAT Alhambra cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,152 a year (£179 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 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 2021 SEAT Alhambra?

73% of 75 MOT tests on the 2021 SEAT Alhambra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 3322nd of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 1%).

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 2021 SEAT Alhambra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 SEAT Alhambra is 27,872 miles, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Explore other SEAT cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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