2010 SEAT Alhambra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 SEAT Alhambra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 SEAT Alhambra than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  22.7% All 2010 cars

  10.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 2.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Side repeaters4.9× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  6.8% All 2010 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 0.9% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Front strut mounts and bushes7.9× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  5.5% All 2010 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Link ball joint covers2.6× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  6.8% All 2010 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.5% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Suspension arm2.4× usual
  SEAT Alhambra

  7.4% All 2010 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2010 SEAT Alhambra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 SEAT Alhambra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  35% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  34% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  9% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 SEAT Alhambra

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2010 SEAT Alhambra as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2010 SEAT Alhambra as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 7.9× as often on the 2010 SEAT Alhambra as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?