2017 SEAT Alhambra 2.0L Diesel · FP67 NBD

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 15 January 2026, though it carried forward three advisories concerning front brake pad wear and front suspension arm pin or bush deterioration on both the nearside and offside. Looking at the broader test history, the overall trend is one of accumulating suspension wear rather than any acute failure. The 2023 test passed without any recorded defects, but every subsequent test has surfaced advisories relating to front suspension component wear, culminating in the 2026 entry where brake pad material is also noted as thinning. A failure in January 2024 was primarily related to tyre condition rather than mechanical integrity, with a deep nearside rear tyre cut, mismatched front tyre sizes, and a defective side repeater lens all addressed prior to the same-day pass. The recurrence of suspension arm bush advisories across three consecutive tests is a clear maintenance signal worth investigating before purchase. With 62,203 miles recorded over approximately nine years, this Alhambra is showing a usage rate of around 6,911 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a family-oriented MPV of this age. There are no significant gaps or unusual mileage jumps in the history presented, suggesting steady rather than intermittent use, which is generally favourable for preventing issues associated with prolonged standing. Even so, the vehicle is now entering the phase of its lifecycle where age-related consumables and perishable components begin to demand closer attention irrespective of the odometer reading. The annual MOT cadence appears to be maintained conscientiously by the current keeper, with tests consistently undertaken in early January each year. The most pressing area of concern is the recurring front suspension arm bush wear, which has been flagged on both sides at every test since 2024. These bushes are a known wear item on the Alhambra platform and, while still within acceptable movement limits at the time of the latest test, will progress over time and eventually require replacement, particularly the lower control arm bushes. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end, particularly over speed humps, pothole impacts, or when turning into parking spaces at low speed. Uneven or feathered tyre wear across the front axle, vague steering response, or a sensation of wandering at motorway speeds would all be indicative of the bushes progressing past the advisory stage. It would be prudent to have the front suspension components physically inspected and rocked by hand on a ramp to quantify movement before committing to purchase. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin at the most recent test, so a prospective buyer should anticipate replacement within the next service interval and verify pad thickness and disc condition directly. Inspecting the front tyres for size and brand conformity is also essential given the previous mismatch failure. Beyond the MOT record, a nine year old vehicle warrants age based checks regardless of mileage, including examination of all tyre sidewalls for perishing and cracking, brake discs for corrosion or surface pitting from standing periods, and the handbrake mechanism for seizing due to infrequent use. The 12 volt battery is likely approaching the end of its service life and should be load tested. Brake fluid should ideally be renewed on a calendar basis rather than mileage alone, and the condition of the coolant, power steering fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable should be verified along with evidence of recent cambelt and water pump replacement, which is a critical service item on this vehicle.