23rd Mar 2010, 05:31
I have had a Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDI for 3 years. 1999 model, bought at 98k, has now done 153k.
Generally very reliable. Aircon not very effective, but then the car is essentially a mobile greenhouse. Tyre wear is poor @ 16k.
Fuel consumption @ 47 mpg seems good to me.
The trim is beginning to fall to bits. Why put all those silly plastic bits around the rear seat attachments? They will get broken.
The passenger footwell/bath is a problem with a join in the rear screen wash hose. If you push as much slack as you can from the engine bay, you can get at the hose by pulling the carpet from under the trim panel.
I would buy another. Hope that Seat pick up on several common faults. It is potentially a long lasting vehicle. ie strangely green.
29th Mar 2010, 13:14
I have a Seat Alhambra 1900 TDi (R Reg - 1999) purchased 2nd hand last year. I've been having a big problem with the foot well filling up; so much so that I probably should wear wellies when driving. The comments I've read have been really helpful in identifying causes for the water - I thought it was leaking in through the roof!
Also having a "grinding" noise when turning sharp corners or going around small roundabouts. If anyone has any idea what could be causing this, please let me know.
The grill on the windscreen is also coming loose, so I am expecting that to fly off shortly!
Other than this, I have been quite pleased considering it is a very old car.
28th Jun 2010, 14:04
Bought a 2001 TDI SE. Just had the top hose of aircon replaced for £98. Main dealers wanted £140 just for the hose.
Had a slight problem with the passenger door switch causing the well lights to flash on and off; cost £20 to fix.
Bought it on 48k, and it's still only done 65k.
Think the car is great, and for a 2001 car, I expected a couple of problems, but it's been a great car, and with three young children, I really need it.
Had a drive of the new Galaxy; although it was nice, I believe the one I've got is better...
14th Sep 2010, 12:54
I have been dealing with Alhambras for many many years, including the one I own myself, although I agree the Mark 1 build in conjunction with Ford was a poor car, the Mark 2 is a cracking car, yes they have a decent maintenance programme that needs to be stuck with, but on the whole a lot of car and a great drive. I love mine.
Maintenance is people's biggest let down when dealing with Alhambra. Yes they do cost a lot to keep on the road, but no more than any other large 7 seat people carrier.
30th Sep 2010, 15:35
Can anybody help me? I have a Seat Alhambra 2001. I have had many of the same problems as above, but have a problem that the mechanic is lost on; bottom radiator pipe and radiator are always cold and pressured. Has anybody fixed these problems or similar before?
5th Jan 2011, 08:24
I had the same problems with mine. Now the curly wurly light flickers on and off when driving. What is that?
25th Jan 2011, 06:02
Seat Alhambra 1999.
On a journey of 20km, I have to turn off the engine and on three times because when I pull a little more in fifth gear, the engine is activated almost a lock that does not let go of 2000 RPM, even putting a third speed. So the solution is to disconnect and reconnect the ignition key.
In the shop, they cleaned the EGR valve turbo but it returned to the same the other day.
Anyone know what might be?
Thanks.
4th Feb 2011, 15:50
Hi, I have a 2003 Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDI. Had a new seat clutch and flywheel put in last May, clutch was faulty and was replaced. Since then, can't get the car into gear without turning the car off or sometimes revving the car. The car will also run on when you clutch or brake. Has been back to the garage repeatedly, mechanic has bled the clutch several times and replaced the clutch plate. Has anyone had same problem, Seat are unable to help?
19th Feb 2011, 06:05
Posting 25/1/11, you have turbo overboost, turbo sticking.
Try letting it warm up before you put your foot down, if you open up too quick, the turbo cuts out, protecting the engine.
Mine does it, but changed driving style and it's OK. Failing this, you may need the turbo replacing.
19th Feb 2011, 13:53
I have a 1996 1.9 TDI Alahambra. Since buying it, it has been a nightmare to start when hot. It turns over and just starts with plenty of black smoke. Anybody have any ideas???
9th Mar 2011, 04:02
Hi I have a Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDI.
I had loads of problems but managed to sort them. I now have a problem with the brake light not working. I have checked the bulbs, fuses, also changed the switch on the brake pedal.
Has anyone had the same problem? If so can you offer any solution or advice? I have been trying to solve this problem now for 2 days.
Cheers.
20th Mar 2011, 05:41
Hi, my old Alhambra turbo went last week, so my hubby said he wouldn't replace it in cold weather, as it's a bit of a mission, and it was going to cost a fortune in a garage, so we decided to find the cash for a newer one.
Now then, I have my newer one on a 2001 1.9 TDI. When we were coming home, the gearbox linkage broke, and so that had to be replaced (back with original owner!) I was told and have receipt that it had just a few weeks ago, the injector seals were replaced.
Morning start up is a joke; it barely picks up and smokes like a pig. When you are driving it, you put your foot down and there is just no go in it.
I'm so truly disappointed, as I have bought it to replace one that is broken. I just love the car; comfy and flexible.
Any help with what any of the above problems may be, I'd be grateful...
Many thanks.
4th Apr 2011, 15:50
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It happened to my girlfriend's car and it made her cry! Thanks to you, we got it fixed with a coat hanger! LOL.
16th Mar 2010, 08:59
Didn't realise how common all the problems above are. I've encountered most of them with our 2001 Alhambra, 1.9 TDi. Shockingly bad car. Rear windscreen washer and wipers not working, window motors replaced (both driver and passenger), front grill flew off on motorway, exhaust replaced, dissolves tyres better than battery acid would, A/C not working, gearbox is really bad (power dips after every gear change when accelerating). But worst of all, the turbo lag is freakin' enormous. Takes about 20 seconds, and 3000 revs for it to kick in. Never buy an Alhambra!!!