Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★☆☆
“Alhambra problems”
Written on: 21/09/2011
Car plagued by silly problems - mainly the water leak in the rear hatch reverse/fog light cluster. There are five Seat Alhambras in our village and they all have this problem (the lens goes black after a time with the water lying in the lens area). This leads to electrical problems where fuse number 3 blows affecting direction indicators, speedo, cruise control and heater motor. Also problems with black plastic grills falling off. Front wiper motor has also had to be replaced - printed... (read more)
★★★★★
“I love my big red Brammer. I've had it since it was...”
Written on: 20/02/2011
I love my big red Brammer. I've had it since it was eight months old and it has been an excellent servant.
Yes, I had the flywheel problem but the vehicle has so much heart and hasn't put a foot wrong since.
Big red has a new brother, the new model Alhambra which I'm getting to know but Red does the bulk of the work; dogs, shopping, general ferrying about...
such a good honest vehicle...big red has a home with me for life.
(read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Bought from new 1.9 TDi 130. Got 4 children so needed...”
Written on: 12/02/2011
Bought from new 1.9 TDi 130. Got 4 children so needed a car large enough for whole family. Used for around town - not ideal as this car is built for motorways. Local Seat garage serviced annually but since 2 years ago we have experienced problem after problem. It eats tyres - approx 10k for the front - front wheel drive. Flywheel damaged after enforced recall by Seat had to be replaced and main driveshaft as well - £2.5K. Now rear brake discs, handbrake, L/H/S driveshaft needs replacing. Air... (read more)
★★★★★
“I was looking at this site as I was considering...”
Written on: 01/01/2011
I was looking at this site as I was considering trading in my 1.9TDi Alhambra for a Citroen C8. Having read reviews on both cars I think I'll (a) stick with Seat and (b) keep the car I've got.
I've got 5 kids and tow a twin axle caravan so need something reliable and hefty - I bought my car 5 years ago with 40k on the clock from Wiltshires in Farnham, it's now done 110k and still drives as well - along the way we've kept it serviced and its had some repairs but nothing more than you;d expect...
(read more)
★★★☆☆
“We bought our Alhambra 1.9 TDi Automatic at about...”
Written on: 01/10/2010
We bought our Alhambra 1.9 TDi Automatic at about 80,000 miles and three months later the automatic gearbox started to go. That was £1300 - massive problem. Lots of other repairs in the next year, and each time it seems to be £450 or so - the parts are so expensive. I think we spent £3000 on maintenance in 18 months. THen it was quite good for a couple of years and now the gear box is up the creek again (about 40,000 miles after the last reconditioned one. Found a place in London that can do... (read more)
★★★★★
“Had the car from new i have had two injectors fitted...”
Written on: 17/12/2009
Had the car from new i have had two injectors fitted and a clutch at 170,000 regular services the car has done 290,000 best car i have ever owned !!! if you think that good my partener had one at the same time hes had one injector a water pump clutch at 195,000 now has over 500,000 miles CHEAP MOTORING !!!!!! highly recomend seat (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Have had an Seat Alhambra since new and now done 140K....”
Written on: 12/07/2009
Have had an Seat Alhambra since new and now done 140K. I can tell you this car has 2 very expensive weaknesses which seem to be quite common for this model:
1) Air conditioning has been replaced twice and now broken for a third time
2) Just been told that automatic gearbox will fail soon (transmission is slipping at moment) and needs replacing
(read more)
★★★★★
“Bought the 2litre petrol Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE, '96...”
Written on: 11/07/2009
Bought the 2litre petrol Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE, '96 model, get about 35mpg The most usefull and versatile vehicle I've ever bought. All seats come out for use as a van, then weekends seats go back in for transporting my students on workshops touring sacred sites. Looking to getting the Twin cam 2litre turbo petrol when I can afford it (diesels are expensive to repair). Easy on the steering, drives like a car. Nice and high up to see over country hedgerows (the wife feels like a... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Just bought it from dealers £9000 3 months its 05 reg...”
Written on: 01/11/2008 by shaba20
Just bought it from dealers £9000 3 months its 05 reg done 76000 miles having problems with power and makes noise when accelarator released I think turbos gone.
Please purchase 1 year warranty or up to 80000 miles and also check service history.
(read more)
★★★☆☆
“Just had gear fail, cost so far £1500. This is a...”
Written on: 26/10/2008 by gwills
Just had gear fail, cost so far £1500. This is a commom fault with the 6 speed box which lets go between 40,000 - 50,000 miles. This is caused by drive shaft fauly in manifacture and modified shaft is over £400.
Gear box will not be guaranteed if not fitted.
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 34 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Another turbo problem here. Bought mine a year ago...”
Written on: 22/04/2008 by greuve (1 review written)
Another turbo problem here. Bought mine a year ago with 65,000 miles on the clock and with a receipt showing that £789 had been spent on replacing the turbo at 64,000 miles.
I'm having it recovered to the dealer tomorrow at 72,000 miles with a suspected blown turbo. Lots of smoke and next to no power.
As the original poster: wouldn't touch one with a bargepole in the future. By the way: I also had my exhaust drop off and an engine support bar break off, the electrics are all over the...
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★★★☆☆
“The Seat Alhambra is a very good car all round...”
Written on: 19/03/2008 by shiggy (1 review written)
The Seat Alhambra is a very good car all round economical, good looks and fingers kept crossed reliable. Very stylish looking vehicle nice to drive good performance very comfy and has all the toys. (read more)
★★★★★
“Originally had new Ford Galaxy but part exchanged at 3...”
Written on: 18/01/2008 by Abie
Originally had new Ford Galaxy but part exchanged at 3 years for new Seat Alhambra TDI SE to obtain all the bells and whistles for a lower price. So far I've had two of these vehicles from new and part exchanged each of them for replacement at 3 years The primary purpose is avoid MOT but also to retain a new trouble-free car. Present car 3 years old March, 2009 when I contemplate exchanging for the same vehicle. (read more)
★★★★★
“Before writing this I have been to look at some newer...”
Written on: 03/03/2007 by wallunit (1 review written)
Before writing this I have been to look at some newer models with the view to upgrading and I test drove 4 different people carriers, including the newer Seat Alhambra they weren't brand new but they all had price tags of £10000 plus, on the way home I paid real attention to my 9yr old Alhambra and I came to the conclusion that mine drove as good if not better in most cases than any newer model as well as having all the toys, consequently I'm going stick with the one I've got. If you've got... (read more)
★★★★★
“The Seat Alhambra is a superb piece of machinery. I...”
Written on: 08/02/2007 by alf berwick (1 review written)
The Seat Alhambra is a superb piece of machinery. I bought mine second hand with 120,000 miles on clock and it has now done 170,000. Still looks great apart from paint wearing off of the front door handles, I'm still getting 45mpg and performance is better than most family cars. Has cost nothing in parts apart from a broken front spring which was probably due to me transporting loads of bricks down to the axle. I've not replaced the brake pads and only did the cam belt at the recommended... (read more)
★★★★★
“Very happy will by another.”
Written on: 24/08/2006 by Brian Parker (1 review written)
Very happy will by another. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Having bought this Seat Alhambra brand new I've been...”
Written on: 03/07/2006 by Wynne (1 review written)
Having bought this Seat Alhambra brand new I've been very disappointed with the faults mentioned and the service from the dealership. (read more)
★★★★★
“I have had the Alhambra 1.9TDI for over six years and...”
Written on: 30/03/2006 by stevenieve (3 reviews written)
I have had the Alhambra 1.9TDI for over six years and 93,000 miles. Two problems Air flow sensor and Accelerator pedal needed replacement. Otherwise just filters and brake pads. I am very happy with Seat and will get another one. (read more)
★★★★★
“This is my second Alhambra (this one was new in 03)....”
Written on: 13/01/2006 by cliffdi
This is my second Alhambra (this one was new in 03). It's just completed 40,000 miles and still drives like it did at new.
My first one (T reg) had a major gearbox problem and it chewed up a new auto-gearbox every six months (which was very expensive for Seat as they were replaced under warranty). I ended up returning it and getting the brand new model at the time (the 1.9TDi SE Tiptronic auto) which is an 03 plate (after a rather heated confrontation with Seat UK).
This particular model...
(read more)
★★★★★
“Bought the Seat Alhambra brand new in 2001 and went...”
Written on: 11/01/2006 by mechanic (1 review written)
Bought the Seat Alhambra brand new in 2001 and went off to Germany with a caravan behind from the dealers. Car was fantastic. 115 bhp turbo diesel has plenty of power and tows 1250kgs in 5th no problem 6th is unusual.
Gearbox smooth steering positive and light brakes very good and responsive but disc's have to be changed with second set of pads. Have had to have aircon pipe changed as it was leaking. Climate control panel replaced and door handles replaced. Now the auxillary heater in rear...
(read more)
Dalitrel's Response to mechanic's Review
Written on: 28/02/2006
Interesting... I had an early 2001 115 TDI and also had to replace the aux heater, and had recurring problems with the aircon due to a leaking pipe. Also had problems with the driver window which was temperamental. Seat never managed to fix it. Changed last year for a 2004 130 TDI. Essentially the same car with added extras like the front/rear parking aid and bigger wheels. No aux heater though, which is a shame. Not much difference in performance, but the tyres are even more expensive. Currently in the garage due to cracked gearbox casing. Oh, and I have the same problem as in the previous one with the driver window. very odd.
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See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 34 Reviews
★★★★☆
“Had the Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE from new was going to...”
Written on: 13/11/2005 by peter the bosun (1 review written)
Had the Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE from new was going to replace after 3 years decided the car was still sound, and reliable. The diesel engine with turbo pulls well and gives good miles to the gallon. (read more)
★★★★☆
“The seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE is lovely to drive, and...”
Written on: 13/10/2005 by busboy
The seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE is lovely to drive, and feels nice and solid...well built.
Not sure if I`d like the bills for a second hand one though.
(read more)
Veryfast's Response to 213683_busboy's Review
Written on: 29/11/2005
There is an access panel inside the wheelarch cover to enable changing the sidelight bulb. Don't slide the panel too far up otherwise it comes off its runners and you have to remove the arch cover to refit it.
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★★★☆☆
“Up to about 3 months ago I would have not hesitated to...”
Written on: 06/06/2005 by iwill24
Up to about 3 months ago I would have not hesitated to get another Seat Alhambra and would have raved about them but am beginning to find it very unreliable and costly to repair. Wouldn't touch another one with a barge pole and not impressed with the local Seat dealers knowledge of their faults. (read more)
Chris Bevan's Response to 196443_iwill24's Review
Written on: 20/08/2005
I agree with the turbo problem. I have an '02 Toledo with the same engine, and have on occasion noticed that it can be incredibly flat and absolutely no pick up at speeds where the turbo should be kicking in. Also, my dad has just bought a new shape '05 Toledo, good car, terrible, TERRIBLE service!!!
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Veryfast's Response to 196443_iwill24's Review
Written on: 29/11/2005
My 2001 Alhambra 115 has the same 'turbo problem'. Does anyone know what causes it?
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Bertie2's Response to 196443_iwill24's Review
Written on: 16/03/2006
Turbo not cutting in problem. Been here myself! Air Mass Meter is on way out. Costs around £330 to replace. Various makes of diesel suffer with the problem. You'll find eventually the car won't do more than 30mph top whack and before it gets like that it is just like you describe, feels like the turbo has gone AWOL.
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★★☆☆☆
“I loved this Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE people carrier...”
Written on: 06/05/2005 by yelselseivad (2 reviews written)
I loved this Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE people carrier and before last week would have recommended it to anyone but I do 68 runs a week have 5 kids and need a car I can depend on and that won't let me down and this has big time. Don't know whether to get it fixed or to trade it in and get another make. Really miserable. (read more)
Stronghead's Response to yelselseivad's Review
Written on: 20/05/2005
Hi, just had same problem with my 2001 Galaxy Ghia auto, turned out to be a wiring loom problem that affected the ECM that affected the torque converter and so on. Wimbledon Autos (recommended) tell me the Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra auto box has always been suspect and is only good for between 40-50K before it falls apart. Be warned.
<br>
<br>Gary
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Yelselseivad's Response to yelselseivad's Review
Written on: 05/08/2005
After the car was repaired - Seat picked up half cost as a gesture of goodwill a light came up on the dash, back to garage, no car for another week - total of 41 days off the road, back going like a dream. Then, light back on again, chugging like I'm learning to drive garage say no not gearbox problem this time some other part that's expensive to fix. Final straw - ordered a Ssangyong Rodius. Dealer has been really helpful, gave us great trade-in, they're wearing the cost of our part of gearbox repair and have loaned me another Alhambra till new car arrives. However, although I was sad to see my beautiful Alhambra go, the new car won't match it in extras, I have to have a car I can rely on. Just be careful but having said that had an ALhambra before this and never had any problems
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Stronghead's Response to yelselseivad's Review
Written on: 10/08/2005
Time and time again the Ford/Sharan/Alhambra's are let down by the automatic gearbox falling apart. The manufacturers know these gearboxes are weak, but continue to do nothing about it.
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★★★★☆
“I have to say the Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE People...”
Written on: 23/01/2005 by Pete4Moor (2 reviews written)
I have to say the Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE People Carrier is great to drive, is comfortable and has a reputation for reliability. Mine seems to be the exception, but the dealer has been fantastic. There have been no quibbles, and problems have been mended quickly. Seat were even so embarrassed at my catalogue of faults that they gave me a CD player and fitted it to the car.
For an MPV it is economical, I get around 38mpg and it performs well. So much equipment comes as standard too...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“Im generally pleased with the Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE...”
Written on: 12/10/2004 by dalitrel (1 review written)
Im generally pleased with the Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE people carrier, the comfort it offers and the performance and economy of the TDI 115 engine and its 6 speed gearbox. I still manage to average 550 miles over a full tank of diesel.
Build quality is also reasonable, as the car is still free of rattles after 90K miles over 4 years, although some of the interior trim had to be replaced due to the peeling of the rubber covering on some of the elements. However, I was grateful for the 3 year...
(read more)
★★★★★
“Without doubt the Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE people...”
Written on: 31/08/2004 by Bucephalas69 (1 review written)
Without doubt the Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE people carrier is the best vehicle i've ever had. It drives better than most cars, has loads of space. The seats can be moved, swivelled, taken out completely etc. I love it, my children love it and my in-laws love it. You won't be dissapointed if you buy one, just double check the mass flywheel. (read more)
★★★★★
“This Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE is a truly remarkable...”
Written on: 19/07/2004 by eric cole (1 review written)
This Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE is a truly remarkable People Carrier. I am disabled and find this easier to drive than any of the major MPVs i have drive to date. If i could add something it would be a lever to open the boot from the driver area, and maybe close it again without having to leave the cockpit. (read more)
★★★★★
“I drive a year 2000 Seat Alhambra Luxus 1.9 TDi SE...”
Written on: 17/07/2004 by Mark VB (1 review written)
I drive a year 2000 Seat Alhambra Luxus 1.9 TDi SE 90bhp People Carrier.
I was between two minds about getting it. My first Diesel and first automatic. I wasn't too keen on driving a "bus" but my two St Bernards needed room (http://www.sanbernard.org/alhambra.htm) Now I am totally hooked on it. Powerful and brilliant handling. Magnificent driving position and visibility even though parking sensors at rear would be helpful. I surely will want another one but with airconditioning at rear (I...
(read more)
★★★★★
“I have had my Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE People Carrier...”
Written on: 08/07/2004 by joansheng (1 review written)
I have had my Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi SE People Carrier for 8 years and it has been a godsend ferrying daughter's possessions to Uni and back. We've carried the whole family using all 7 seats and still had room for the picnic. Would love another but can not afford it. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 34 Reviews
★★★★☆
“I bought a Used Seat Alhambra a few months ago and...”
Written on: 02/07/2004 by Mike Stainsby (1 review written)
I bought a Used Seat Alhambra a few months ago and overall have been very impressed with the car. Build quality seems reasonable; shame the interior colour is grey as the car always seems to look 'grubby'. Economy is great always around 43mpg without the Turbo working! (read more)
★★★★★
“The Seat Alhambra is under powered its only 90 BHP....”
Written on: 26/05/2004 by why spend more on a Galaxy
The Seat Alhambra is under powered its only 90 BHP. The next time I will get the 115BHP. I was dissapointed about the airflow sensor failing as the car only has 40000miles on the clock and I would have expected better.
I drive a year 2000 1.9TDi Alhambra 90bhp. In the 4 years that I have driven it (63000 miles) I have had the brake pads done twice, timing belt and a air flow sensor. The brakes I changed myself and the dealer did the rest. That's €735 in repairs in 4 yrs. I'm happy with...
(read more)
★★★★★
“The Seat Alhambra 1.9 tdi se is an alternative to the...”
Written on: 02/04/2004 by mammalman (1 review written)
The Seat Alhambra 1.9 tdi se is an alternative to the Galaxy / Sharan. Its very well priced and an excellent family vehicle. The seating is very comfortable for everyone, our kids appreciate individual seats in the back which are just as spacious as those in the front.
The five rear seats are all full sized and any number can be removed, making a very flexible storage arrangement. Removing all the rear seats turns the Alhambra into a very roomy transport vehicle.
I have the 90 bhp diesel...
(read more)
★★★★★
“The Seat Alhambra 1.9 tdi se MPV drives great with...”
Written on: 10/12/2002 by Luis.
The Seat Alhambra 1.9 tdi se MPV drives great with plenty of power as well as over 50 mpg on moterway. The se spec is a must - heated windows, heated seats, full other electrics parking sensors etc. Keeps plenty of value, solid all round. (read more)
Cattleman62's Response to 57072_Luis.'s Review
Written on: 08/12/2003
I am thrilled with my Seat Toledo TDiSE. Lovely looking and 100% reliable after 89,000 miles.The Alhambra is also an excellent vehicle.
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Bucephalas69's Response to 57072_Luis.'s Review
Written on: 06/09/2004
My Alhambra SE has been without doubt, the best purchase i've ever made.
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Guest's Comment
Written on: 03/12/2011
OMG!!!! YOU HAVE DESCRIBED MY Seat alhambra CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boot is wet, as water is leaking in through the rear light. Crusie control doesnt work,i have been quoted 250quid to fix my heater/climate control.... not sure whats wrong with ity. the electrics went last year and the car wouldnt start. The fuse junction from the battery to the electric circuits melted.No explanantion for this was found by2 autoelectricians. 2005 plate, owned 3 yrs. its a low mileage car.
Jph29's Comment
Written on: 02/03/2012
We have discovered the same problem in our 2007 Alhambra Stylance with water leak in rear hatch light cluster. Just about to take it for its first service since buying it last year. Would be interested to know how you (or anyone else) got this problem resolved, ie. where was the water getting in, what was done to resolve it and how much did it cost to repair? Our Alhambra has full Seat service history, so wonder what the chance is of them admitting fault and repairing it for free? Wld be grateful to hear from anyone with experience of this.