Used SEAT Alhambra

What to know before buying: SEAT Alhambra

From 2 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The second-generation Alhambra offers up to seven seats, sliding rear doors and a large cabin; it is 20 cm longer than the first generation.[3]one sourceSecond generation
• An owner of a 2013 2.0 diesel praises its comfort, space and quiet, powerful engine; over five years it passed every inspection first time.[2]one sourceSecond generation
• An owner of a 2003 car highlights its large cabin and easily removable seats, which turn the MPV into a small cargo van.[2]one sourceFirst generation
• A road test describes the cabin, switches and trim as nearly identical to the VW Sharan, with reassuring build quality and mechanical reliability.[4]one source
• The Alhambra earned five stars in the 2010 Euro NCAP test; another review says every version has stability control and seven airbags.[3][4]Second generation

Typical faults

• An owner of a 2013 car warns that panoramic-roof seals dry out in the sun, causing the sunroof to leak in rain.[2]one sourceSecond generation

  2013–2013

• An owner of a 2003 2.0 diesel identifies the air-conditioning aluminium pipes as a recurring weakness.[2]one sourceFirst generation

  2003–2003 · 2.0 diesel

• The same 2003 diesel heated its cabin poorly, while the auxiliary heater worked unpredictably and sometimes sent heavy smoke into the cabin.[2]one sourceFirst generation

  2003–2003 · 2.0 diesel

• An owner of a 2004 Alhambra reports body corrosion.[2]one sourceFirst generation

  2004–2004

• A 1999 1.9 TDI was reported to emit blue smoke on cold starts and start poorly when warm; suggested causes included injection timing, valve guides and seals.[1]one sourceFirst generation

  1999–1999 · 1.9 TDI

• On the same 1999 car, first and third gears jumped out during deceleration; forum replies suggested checking the external linkage and powertrain mounts.[1]one sourceFirst generation

  1999–1999 · 1.9 TDI

Which engine and version to take

• For the second generation, the 2.0 TDI is the main diesel choice with 115, 150 or 184 hp; the review highlights the mechanical range as reliable.[3]one sourceSecond generation
• A 2013 2.0 diesel manual earned an owner score of 8/10 and a buy recommendation, with reported consumption of 6.0 l/100 km.[2]one sourceSecond generation

What to check at the inspection

• On cars with a panoramic roof, inspect the seals and look for signs of water ingress around the sunroof.[2]one sourceSecond generation
• On first-generation cars, inspect the air-conditioning aluminium pipes and verify the cabin and auxiliary heaters work correctly.[2]one sourceFirst generation
• Inspect the body carefully, especially on first-generation cars, because an owner report identifies corrosion.[2]one sourceFirst generation
• Test a 1999 1.9 TDI both cold and warm, watching for blue smoke and prolonged cranking.[1]one sourceFirst generation
• During the test drive, check that first and third gears in the manual gearbox do not jump out on overrun or deceleration.[1]one sourceFirst generation

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Seat Alhambra 1.9tdi 99g. - Forums · forum
2. [2]auto.jautajums.lv — Seat Alhambra atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
3. [3]actualidadmotor.com — Seat Alhambra · press
4. [4]whatcar.lv — Auto tests izvērsts - Seat Alhambra MPV - What Car? · press

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