2016 SEAT Alhambra 2.0L Diesel · KS66 OKV

A recurring pattern of premature tyre wear and a minor shock absorber seepage dominate the mechanical narrative of this SEAT Alhambra, with the most recent test on 10 December 2025 recording a Pass but flagging both rear tyres as worn close to the legal limit on the edges, alongside a light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber. Earlier testing in November 2023 produced an identical pattern, with all four tyres flagged as close to the legal limit, and similar inner-edge front wear advisories appeared in December 2019 and December 2022. This consistency over six years points to a chronic tracking or suspension geometry issue rather than isolated neglect, particularly given that the same tyres were passing on the same edge-wear pattern across multiple test cycles. The single failure recorded, a missing nearside front road wheel fixing bolt in December 2024, was rectified at the same test and did not result in a retest failure, suggesting it was a straightforward rectification rather than a structural concern. The 2024 and 2021 tests returned clean Passes with no advisories, which slightly interrupts the tyre narrative but does not negate the overall pattern of edge wear. Annual mileage of approximately 8,979 miles over a ten-year period sits close to the typical usage band for a vehicle of this age, and the recorded odometer readings show a steady, consistent accumulation without any unusual gaps or sudden jumps between tests. There are no extended periods off the road that might raise concerns about dormant corrosion, seized brake calipers, or perished rubber components, and the mileage progression from 2019 through to late 2025 reflects a vehicle in regular but moderate use. This kind of usage profile tends to produce wear on consumable items such as tyres, brake pads, and discs at a predictable rate, but it also means suspension components, bushes, and dampers have accumulated ten years of UK road conditions including wet weather, gritted winter surfaces, and speed humps. The fact that the vehicle has been presented for testing consistently each year from 2019 onwards demonstrates continuous road use, which is generally favourable for keeping seals lubricated and moving parts free from seizure. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing inspection points relate to the suspension geometry and the offside front shock absorber flagged in the December 2025 advisory. A four-wheel laser alignment check is strongly recommended, as the recurring inner-edge front wear observed in 2019, 2022, and the edge wear on all four tyres in 2023 and 2025 is characteristic of either incorrect tracking, worn suspension bushes, or top mount deterioration. On a test drive, pay particular attention to any knocking or clonking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, undulating surfaces, or when turning at low speed, as this would suggest worn anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, or top mount bearings. The offside front shock absorber should be inspected for any worsening oil seepage, and the vehicle should be observed from the corner to check for any uneven settling, which would indicate the damper is beginning to lose its damping efficiency. With the front tyres being a regular advisory item, also verify that the steering tracks straight without pulling to either side under acceleration or braking, and that there is no vibration through the steering wheel at speed which could indicate distorted brake discs or wheel imbalance. A thorough physical inspection should also include a close examination of all four alloy wheels for any cracks, kerbing damage, or corrosion around the bolt holes, particularly given the missing wheel bolt incident recorded in December 2024, which warrants a check that the remaining fixings are correctly torqued and that the wheel itself has not sustained any impact damage. The brake system, while not flagged in any advisory, should be assessed for pedal feel, binding calipers, and any pulling under braking, as ten years of moderate use will have produced wear on pads and discs even if not yet at advisory threshold. Inspect the underside of the vehicle on a ramp for any corrosion to the subframe, brake pipes, and fuel lines, as MPV-sized vehicles of this age are particularly susceptible to underbody corrosion from road salt. Finally, confirm the condition of all tyres including their age via the DOT stamping, check for any uneven wear across the full tread width rather than just the edges, and ensure the rear tyres specified in the December 2025 advisory have been replaced, as worn tyres on a heavy MPV significantly compromise wet braking performance and stability.