SEAT ALHAMBRA (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 75 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,787
£149/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1968cc Diesel
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £1787/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.
At 5 years old, 73% of SEAT ALHAMBRAs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 75 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 27,872 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
27,872
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 SEAT ALHAMBRA has 27,872 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 2021 sits between the two at 73%.
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
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About the 2021 SEAT ALHAMBRA
The 2021 SEAT ALHAMBRA is a family car with a 1968cc diesel engine. 75 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 100% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 27,872 miles at 5 years old, SEAT ALHAMBRA owners tend to use this car less than the typical 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 £1,037 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 2021 SEAT ALHAMBRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,787 (£149/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £195 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2021 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
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 2021 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(2021) | 73% | £1037 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1787 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£287 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£305 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£287 |
| FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM(2019) | 87% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£155 |
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
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
FORD KUGA
2019 · 1997cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2019 · 1598cc Diesel
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