SEAT Alhambra (1996 – 2010) Review

SEAT Alhambra (1996 – 2010) At A Glance

3/5

+True seven-seater with more cheerful trim than its VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy equivalents. Good car-like drive.

-Basic spec on early models. Aircon is prone to fail and, on early cars, sited in a vulnerable place. Mechanical problems not unknown.

Insurance Groups are between 20–27
On average it achieves 97% of the official MPG figure

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a SEAT Alhambra (1996 – 2010)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Real MPG average for a SEAT Alhambra (1996 – 2010)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

97%

Real MPG

30–48 mpg

MPGs submitted

60

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

Why are the gears on my 2005 SEAT Alhambra not engaging?

"The gears are not engaging properly on my 2005 Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDI. The bite has become lower on the clutch pedal and no gears could be engaged. However, after starting her up a few hours later I pulled off in second and managed to get it through the gears to take me the six miles home."
Worn clutch and possibly also a failing dual mass flywheel.
Answered by Honest John

I'm after a seven-seater for £1000 - is there anything you'd suggest?

"I am looking to buy a second hand car for £1000 or less. I will need an estate as have two small children, so buggies, bikes, camping equipment need to fit. I also quite like the idea of having more seats as we can take friends along on adventures with us, so a 7 seater perhaps, but with the ability to remove or fold seats to get more storage space. Not sure if I will need to get a petrol model or not with the tax hike on emissions? Ideally the engine can cope with being full of people or equipment, but be pretty economical when it is just me and the two girls zipping about."
For this sort of budget it's actually impossible to recommend anything that is guaranteed to be reliable. An old Galaxy, Sharan or Alhambra 1.9 diesel might be, but it's a long shot. At least half will have been minicabbed to hundreds of thousands of miles. And they all face prohibitions from city centres.
Answered by Honest John

Can you recommend a cheap car for towing a caravan?

"I am looking for a cheap tow car (capable of taking a 1500kg caravan) with low tax and insurance. It must also be reliable. What do you recommend I buy for £2500?"
Still banger territory so far easier to get a dud (and particularly a clocked dud) than a good one. Many will have seen high mileage taxi work. Probably best off with a Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra 1.9 diesel because you can get the parts.
Answered by Honest John

Interior lights on a SEAT Alhambra - is this right?

"The interior lights on my Alhambra have started to stay on after the ignition has been turned on, and also after getting out of the car and locking with the remote fob. The lights go out eventually. Is there a time delay relay if so where and what number is it or could this be an earthing fault?"
Yes, basic fault and the light is remaining open circuit. Switch if off completely, and if that does not work, remove the bulb so the circuit cannot complete, otherwise it will drain your battery overnight.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a SEAT Alhambra (1996 – 2010) cost?