Old Seat Alhambra (7N): a family recipe from Spain

The second generation of the Seat Alhambra (7N) offers plenty of space and uses proven VW technology. We'll tell you how it performs use piese auto ieftine.

Old Seat Alhambra (7N): a family recipe from Spain

GOOD RECIPES are passed down in the family. The best proof of this is the Seat Alhambra, launched in the fall of 2010 and produced until 2022 at the Portuguese plant in Palmela. Except for the badges, it is identical to the Sharan from 2010. And for large families with more than two children, the model can be a used car fortune.

THAT'S HIM

The Alhambra appeals to families. The 4.85m long van bucks the SUV trend, parking itself in the niche between a small mid-range station wagon and a VW Bus. However, it is not only the huge space that is convincing, but also the functionality: a business interior with an optional, fully retractable third row of seats and two sliding doors – unfortunately rather rare today. Therefore, even with a considerable mileage, the Seat Alhambra in maintained condition is not at all cheap. Our four-year-old test car from ABC Automobile Andreas Klecha in Neu Wulmsdorf (near Hamburg) cost close to BGN 90,000 new. Now, after 190,000 km, which definitely doesn't look like it, the car is offered for BGN 38,500.

THIS REPRESENTS

Thanks to a major facelift in 2016, the Alhambra was quite ripe for the second half of its life. In our generously configured test car, a camera system helps you in everyday life, and in addition to a traffic sign recognition system, there is also a lane keeping assistant and a reversing camera on board. Where does the mileage show? With the exception of bumps from pebbles there are no other visible signs of use. In the test car, the seats are still pleasantly tight, the fabrics and leather upholstery show no signs of wear. The car's structural obsolescence is evident in the details: the dipped headlights rely on the meanwhile outdated halogen technology. The traditionally furnished cockpit with touchscreen infotainment system is from the VW concern and is functional, but no longer up to date.

THIS IS HOW IT IS MANAGED

The 2.0 TDI (Euro 6) engine we tested was introduced alongside the new EA288 engine family in late summer 2015. It replaces the similarly powered but diesel scandal-ridden Euro 5 TDI (EA189). The TDI range extends from 115 to 184 hp. With the motorization with 150 hp. you will move confidently and economically. Also updated in mid-2015.

1.4-TSI petrol units are not as confident before the facelift and have problematic timing chains. Sporty and economical is the 2.0 TSI (EA888). It is prone to problems with high oil consumption and stretched timing chains. As an option for the more powerful diesel versions, the 4Drive double drive with haldex clutch is available, as well as an electric towbar for a towed load of up to 2.2 t (750 kg without brakes).

THIS CREATES ANGERS

Seat gives a two-year new car warranty (extendable to five years), a three-year paintwork warranty and a twelve-year corrosion warranty. A major problem is the wearing suspension, but its components are cheap to repair. The drive of the sliding doors and the rear cover can be damaged - most often the sensors are problematic. The optional DSG transmission requires maintenance, defects are expensive! Long mileage TDI engines often have soot on the EGR valves, turbine problems and worn injectors Termostat Behr.

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GOOD RECIPES are passed down in the family

THAT'S HIM