SEAT Alhambra 7N facelift 2.0 TDI, 184 PS, 6-speed dual-clutch (2015–2018)

Research for this car

• Generation guide SEAT Alhambra II (2010-2022): known problems and buying guide

  Below average for its age; check the DSG gearbox, the sliding doors and the suspension before buying.

• Engine guide VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Test for rough shifts and jerky starts, and ask for the DSG service records. A replacement is quoted at over 5,000 EUR.
2. Open and close each sliding door with the switch and the key. Watch for a door that slides shut and back open, and listen for the motor.
3. Listen for rattles over bumps, and check the drop links and wishbone bushes for play.
4. On a start-stop car, watch for slow cranking. Ask for the battery age.
5. Check the brake discs for a poor contact pattern and the pads for wear.
6. Look inside the front A-pillars for water marks, especially on a panoramic roof car.
7. Check the bottom edges of the tailgate and the lower door edges for rust.
8. Ask a SEAT dealer to check the VIN for open recall work on the airbag, the emissions software and the starter switch.
9. Check that the air conditioning blows cold air on the lowest setting.

From the engine guide

1. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. AdBlue and NOx (needs a scanner). Read NOx sensor and dosing faults. Bad: an emissions warning, a restart countdown or crystallised AdBlue.
6. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
7. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
8. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
9. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions