2008 SEAT Alhambra · 1,903 MOT tests
2008 SEAT Alhambra reliability
2008 SEAT Alhambras fail 52.6% of first MOT tests, 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 18 Alhambra years (1,903 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Alhambras: 26%)
- 52.6%
- first-time fail rate (all SEAT Alhambras: 26%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 19% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 137,883
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,903
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 19.7% of tests fail here (146% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 23% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 SEAT Alhambra
Fail rate by area
- Suspension26.7%
- Lights and electrics23.4%
- Body, chassis and structure19.7%
- Brakes16.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.3%
- Tyres7.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 8.57%
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 8.36%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 5.73%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Stop lamp not working 5.15%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.47%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Parking brake inoperative on one side 4.2%
The parking brake does not work on one side, so the car may not hold on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.92%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (14.4%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.72%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.51%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.04%) · Strut pin or bush showing wear (6.04%)
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 2008 SEAT Alhambra reliable?
2008 SEAT Alhambras fail 52.6% of first MOT tests, 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 18 Alhambra years (1,903 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 SEAT Alhambra MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (8.57% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (8.36% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (5.73% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 SEAT Alhambra have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2008 SEAT Alhambra shows 137,883 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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