2001 Seat Alhambra S review from UK and Ireland

Heating/ventilation module stopped working.

Anti roll bar bushes replaced for excessive play.

Top suspension bushes replaced for excessive play.

All ignition coils have been replaced.

Windscreen wipers stopped working as mechanism seized.

Air-con doesn't blow cold air.

Glove box lid falls off when opened.

Various bits of trim have fallen off

Fuel pump relay replaced twice.

Rear loudspeaker in door doesn't work anymore

For what is a big and heavy car, the performance of the Alhambra is very good in turbocharged petrol form. However, this is certainly paid for at the pumps; around town it struggles to do 23mpg. Even on a long run, the best I have ever got is about 30mpg.

I have always found the car comfortable, but then I don't have to sit in the rear row of seats where it can be a bit tight, and with the rear seats in place, there is hardly any luggage space.

What has spoiled the ownership experience for me, is all the faults and that it failed both its first and second MOTs. I have also found servicing expensive, and that the break down of costs just states "serviced in accordance with manufacturers service schedule". I like to know where my £400 is going!

Considering the car is targeted at families, the cloth trim marks extremely easily, and really isn't very hard wearing.