The Seat Alhambra is a great friend of the family - especially as a “cheap used one”. But the search for the bargain could be difficult, also because there are a few problem areas.
A Seat Alhambra can really take a beating. At least when it comes to the number of passengers or luggage. Some other employee qualities, on the other hand, give slight cause for criticism. Anyone interested in used cars should certainly eyeball a few problem areas of the Spanish giant critically, so that the supposed bargain will not be expensive later.
Body: In terms of space and storage space, the Alhambra is a power. By default, the Spaniard is a full five-seater, since his back seat consists of three individual seats. They are also relocatable and movable, unlike the first Alhambra but they can not expand. Nevertheless, there remains room for 809 to 2.430 liters of luggage. Optionally, there is also a fold-down passenger seat back, which facilitates the transport of long items. Who is more often with more than five people on the road, can also search for versions with third row of seats, whose trunk with 267 to 2.297 liter, however, something smaller fails. On the other hand, third-row passengers will find plenty of space for adult passengers. Another advantage of the van are its practical sliding doors, which facilitates getting off in tight parking spaces. On request, they can also be operated electrically from the driver's seat.
Engines: Around 70 percent of the used Alhambra are equipped with a diesel engine, which appears in view of the 1,8 tons of heavy vehicle longitudinal dynamics and fuel consumption as a clear better choice. Over the nearly nine-year model history, two-liter four-yzlinder units have been offered in varying and occasionally changing performance levels. Today, therefore, second-hand customers can choose between 85 kW / 115 PS, 103 kW / 140 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS, 125 kW / 170 PS, 130 kW / 177 PS and 135 kW / 184 PS. With the revision to the model year 2016, the previously always Euro 5 certified diesels got the Euro-6 label. Who wants to buy a used vehicle with Euro-5 engine, should ask the dealer or previous owner, whether the provided in the context of the exhaust gas scandal software updates or other measures have been carried out. Those who want to avoid possible driving bans safely, can also resort to one of the turbo gasoline engine, there with 1,4 and 2,0 liters of displacement and 110 kW / 150 PS, 147 kW / 200 PS or 162 kW / 220 PS. For the power transmission is in addition to a manual six-speed gearbox for all engines except for the basic diesel and a dual-clutch gearbox to choose from. All-wheel drive is available for the diesel with 140, 150, 170 and 184 PS.
Equipment and safety: Already the base "Reference" is neatly equipped. In addition to the individual seats in the rear and the two sliding doors are still air conditioning, windows, central locking and CD radio on board. If you want additional extras like folding tables on the seat backrests, roof rails, electric tailgate or cargo hold sets and luggage nets, you should look for equipment versions like "Style" or special models like "4You", "4Kids" or "Sun". Incidentally, ESP and seven airbags are on board for every Alhambra, which among other things contributed to the five-star result of the Euro-NCAP crash test.
Quality: Above all, the first Alhambra generation, developed at that time together with Ford, is notorious as a defect giant. Edition two is better, but also shows some major weaknesses. Above all, the chassis adopted from the VW Passat groans under the weight of the large family car. In the main examinations spring breaks, defective axle suspensions and worn brake discs are relatively often a topic. These are common van problems, even with other manufacturers, but not less annoying - and above all expensive. The deficiency ratio of the Alhambra is in any case significantly higher than the segment average in the first examinations, which can partly be explained by an average higher mileage of this type. Special attention should therefore be given to the condition of axles and brakes for second-hand vehicles. In addition to defective air conditioning compressors also occasionally rust spots are complained.
Conclusion: The supply of used Alhambra is lush in Germany, the price level, however, also. For copies with less than 100.000 kilometers mileage are usually still called on 20.000 Euro. So that the family account is not further strained, his problem areas in the chassis area should be examined particularly carefully before the second-hand purchase. In case of doubt, a check in the workshop protects against nasty and costly surprises. In terms of everyday use and ambience of the big Seat, however, is beyond all doubt.