2014 SEAT Alhambra 2.0L Diesel · FP14 ABK

Recurring tyre wear and a recent significant safety failure define the mechanical profile of this SEAT Alhambra. While the most recent test on 20 April 2026 resulted in a pass, the vehicle underwent a dangerous failure just five days prior on 15 April 2026. This failure was triggered by an offside front tyre with exposed cords and an ABS warning lamp indicating a fault, alongside a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit. The history shows a persistent trend of tyre advisories dating back to 2023, specifically regarding uneven or edge wear on the front tyres, which suggests a long-term pattern of tyre degradation that culminated in the recent dangerous classification. The vehicle has covered 60,058 miles over its twelve-year lifespan, averaging approximately 5,005 miles per year. This represents a low annual mileage profile compared to typical UK averages for a vehicle of this age and class. Mechanically, such low usage can mean less wear on high-mileage components like the engine and gearbox, but it can also correlate with the observed tyre issues. Low-mileage vehicles often experience more frequent tyre sidewall cracking or uneven wear if driven primarily on short, infrequent trips or if the vehicle spends significant time stationary, which may contribute to the recurring advisory pattern seen in the MOT records. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough investigation of the braking and steering systems during a test drive. The recent ABS fault recorded in April 2026 necessitates confirmation that the warning lamp remains extinguished and that the braking system functions correctly under various speeds. Listen for any unusual grinding or pulsing through the brake pedal, which could indicate issues with the ABS sensors or the braking hardware itself. Furthermore, the consistent advisories for tyres being worn on the edges since 2023 suggest a potential underlying issue with wheel alignment, suspension bushes, or steering geometry. During the road test, pay close attention to the vehicle's handling and steering response. Check for any pulling to one side when the steering wheel is released on a level surface, which would indicate an alignment issue. Listen for knocks or clunks when driving over uneven road surfaces or speed bumps, as this could point to worn suspension components that are contributing to the uneven tyre wear. Given the recent failure regarding exposed tyre cords, ensure that all four tyres are currently within legal depth and that the tread pattern is even across the entire width of the tyre to rule out ongoing suspension or alignment defects.