2003 SEAT Alhambra · 1,077 MOT tests
2003 SEAT Alhambra reliability
2003 SEAT Alhambras fail 53.4% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 18 Alhambra years (1,077 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Alhambras: 26%)
- 53.4%
- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Alhambras: 26%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 150,011
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,077
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 26% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 2.1% of tests fail here (160% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 56% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 SEAT Alhambra
Fail rate by area
- Suspension28.9%
- Lights and electrics27.4%
- Body, chassis and structure21.8%
- Brakes17.3%
- Steering12.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.4%
- Tyres6.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 9.19%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 8.36%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Position lamp not working 8.26%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
CV joint boot split or insecure 7.71%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 6.22%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Stop lamp not working 5.48%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (26.74%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (18.2%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (18.2%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (13.09%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (10.58%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.21%)
Other years
Every SEAT Alhambra year
The full picture: SEAT Alhambra reliability. Before you pay for any SEAT Alhambra, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 SEAT Alhambra reliable?
2003 SEAT Alhambras fail 53.4% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 18 Alhambra years (1,077 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 SEAT Alhambra MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (9.19% of tests), steering rack gaiter no longer sealed (8.36% of tests), position lamp not working (8.26% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 SEAT Alhambra have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 SEAT Alhambra shows 150,011 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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