2004 SEAT Alhambra · 1,691 MOT tests
2004 SEAT Alhambra reliability
2004 SEAT Alhambras fail 51.7% of first MOT tests, 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 18 Alhambra years (1,691 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Alhambras: 26%)
- 51.7%
- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Alhambras: 26%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 146,543
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,691
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 21.8% of tests fail here (105% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 61% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 SEAT Alhambra
Fail rate by area
- Suspension27.5%
- Lights and electrics26%
- Body, chassis and structure21.8%
- Brakes17.8%
- Tyres10.3%
- Steering10.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 9.46%
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 8.93%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 8.63%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 6.74%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 5.26%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 5.09%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (26.37%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.99%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (16.5%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.76%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.34%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (9.28%)
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 2004 SEAT Alhambra reliable?
2004 SEAT Alhambras fail 51.7% of first MOT tests, 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 18 Alhambra years (1,691 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 SEAT Alhambra MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (9.46% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (8.93% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (8.63% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 SEAT Alhambra have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 SEAT Alhambra shows 146,543 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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