SEAT Altea XL (2014)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 132 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,794

£150/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Diesel

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £1,794/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1598cc12 years old132 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,794

Per month£150/mo

Per week£35/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

80% 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. It falls below the SEAT brand average of 85%.

80% of MOT tests on SEAT Altea XLs from 2014 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 10 years old. That's based on 132 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 86,546 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2014 models379th of 527(bottom half)

Rank among SEAT models208th of 310(bottom half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2014 models average-1%(81% avg)

vs SEAT average-5%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,546

Average miles

74,000

Expected for age

The average 2014 SEAT Altea XL had 86,546 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2014 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

SEAT Altea XL by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	80%	132	86,546 mi
2013	80%	436	91,157 mi
2012	77%	175	97,118 mi
2011	77%	195	107,823 mi
2010	72%	187	124,273 mi
2009	70%	298	128,960 mi
2008	69%	509	128,641 mi
2007	68%	353	128,166 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

77%

-3%

Volkswagen Golf

2015 · 1968cc Diesel

£2,077/year

89%

+9%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-1%

Volkswagen Polo

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,644/year

80%

same

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About the 2014 SEAT Altea XL

The 2014 SEAT Altea XL is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 132 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2014, the average MOT pass rate is 81%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 86,546 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, SEAT Altea XL owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2014 SEAT Altea XL 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 2014 SEAT Altea XL?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,794 (£150/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SEAT Altea XL Reliability Trend

Newer SEAT Altea XLs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2014 SEAT Altea XL

At 12 years old, the SEAT Altea XL 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 80%.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 87k 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 2014 SEAT Altea XL 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 XL(2014)	80%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794
Ford Fiesta(2013)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£150
Volkswagen Golf(2015)	89%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077+£283
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£433
Volkswagen Polo(2014)	80%	£1,219	£20	Grp 5-15	£1,644-£150

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 2014 SEAT Altea XL

Is the 2014 SEAT Altea XL reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2014 SEAT Altea XLs ended in a pass, from 132 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2014 SEAT Altea XL cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,794 a year (£150 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 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 2014 SEAT Altea XL?

80% of 132 MOT tests on the 2014 SEAT Altea XL ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 379th of 527 models first registered in 2014 (bottom half).

Which year SEAT Altea XL has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 SEAT Altea XL has the highest MOT pass rate at 80% and the 2007 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2014 SEAT Altea XL?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2014 SEAT Altea XL is 86,546 miles, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.