SEAT Altea (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,094 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel1598cc15 years old2,094 tests106k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,944

Per month£162/mo

Per week£37/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.

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.

75% of MOT tests on SEAT Alteas from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 2,094 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 105,969 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models430th of 595(bottom half)

Rank among SEAT models245th of 310(bottom 22%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average-2%(77% avg)

vs SEAT average-10%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,969

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 SEAT Altea had 105,969 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2011 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

SEAT Altea by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2015	83%	719	75,236 mi
2014	81%	1,186	79,876 mi
2013	78%	2,135	90,012 mi
2012	77%	2,577	98,817 mi
2011	75%	2,094	105,969 mi
2010	74%	2,289	112,168 mi
2009	73%	2,630	117,296 mi
2008	71%	3,140	122,300 mi
2007	72%	3,709	124,859 mi
2006	70%	2,255	123,008 mi
2005	68%	1,174	132,148 mi
2004	66%	477	126,960 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

77%

+2%

Volkswagen Golf

2013 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

85%

+10%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

+4%

Vauxhall Corsa

2009 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

73%

-2%

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About the 2011 SEAT Altea

The 2011 SEAT Altea is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,094 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 falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 105,969 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Altea owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 SEAT Altea Fuel Costs

The 1598cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 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 2011 SEAT Altea?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,944 (£162/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SEAT Altea Reliability Trend

Newer SEAT Alteas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2011 SEAT Altea

At 15 years old, the SEAT Altea 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 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 83%.

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

Watch out

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

EGR Valve

Watch out

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

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 106k 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 2011 SEAT Altea 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 Altea(2011)	75%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944
Ford Fiesta(2013)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Volkswagen Golf(2013)	85%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£150
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£283
Vauxhall Corsa(2009)	73%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same

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 Altea

Is the 2011 SEAT Altea reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2011 SEAT Alteas ended in a pass, from 2,094 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 SEAT Altea cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,944 a year (£162 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 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 Altea?

75% of 2,094 MOT tests on the 2011 SEAT Altea ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 430th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (bottom half).

Which year SEAT Altea has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 SEAT Altea has the highest MOT pass rate at 83% and the 2004 the lowest at 66%. 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 Altea?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 SEAT Altea is 105,969 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.