2016 SEAT Alhambra 2.0L Diesel · LR66 FHO

The most recent MOT, carried out on 16 January 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the past six years the MOT record shows a generally stable pattern of passing results, punctuated by a series of advisories in 2020‑2021 concerning tyre side‑wall condition and a single failure in early 2025 for front brake pad wear and tyre tread depth, which was evidently rectified before the subsequent pass. The progression suggests that the owner has addressed serious safety items when flagged, and there has been no recurrence of dangerous defects since the 2025 remedial work, pointing to an overall improving maintenance trend. At ten years old the car has only 37 631 miles on the odometer, averaging roughly 3 800 miles per year – well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 miles annually. Such low mileage often reflects periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage in terms of component ageing. While the drivetrain and engine internals are likely to have experienced relatively little wear, components that deteriorate with time rather than distance – rubber, seals, batteries and corrosion‑prone metal parts – may be approaching the end of their service life. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular attention to the tyre set. The 2025 failure highlighted a bulge on the off‑side rear tyre and tread depths below the legal 1.6 mm on the front tyres; the 2021 advisories also noted side‑wall deformation on multiple wheels. Examine each tyre for cracks, dry rot, bulges or uneven wear, and verify that the tread depth exceeds 3 mm to allow a reasonable safety margin. Check the front brake pads for remaining thickness (they should be above 3 mm) and listen for any squeal or shudder under moderate braking, which could indicate uneven wear or glazing. While the MOT record shows the pads were replaced, confirm that the calipers move freely and that there is no corrosion on the disc surfaces that could cause pulsation. Given the vehicle’s age and low‑usage profile, a thorough visual and tactile survey is essential. Inspect the suspension bushes, ball joints and anti‑roll bar links for dryness, cracking or excessive play, as ageing rubber can deteriorate even with few miles. Look for rust on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body, especially if the car has been stored outdoors. Test the 12 V battery voltage and consider a load test, as batteries can lose capacity after years of inactivity. Verify that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed within the recommended calendar intervals, and look for any signs of leaks around seals or hoses. A short test drive should reveal any steering wander, suspension clunks over bumps, or abnormal engine noises that would warrant further mechanical investigation before purchase.