Seat Alhambra - Opinions

[Gord R]

Hi Folks

 

Looking into Seat Alhambras at the mo for the old man , he wants something he can get decent mpg , get lots in the back of and be able to tow the track car with and this is the only car i can come up with for him.

 

So my question is has anyone had any experience with them looking at the 2000 on model with the TDi PD engine.

 

Thanks

gordon

[Guest dangerousandy]

Ive driven the Sharan and the Galaxy (same car) and they are crap!!

[Gord R]

In what respect?

[Angarak]

I have a 2001 SE 1.9tdi Alhambra.

 

It is the same car as the VW Sharan and Ford Galaxy, the shells are actually made at the same factory.

 

I would say when you compare all three, the Seat gives you more for your money in terms of spec - the SE version I have for example comes with front/rear air con, heated front seats, front/rear heated screens, electric windows/mirrors, pas, abs, sportier suspension, adjustable seat/wheel).

 

Inside there is plenty of room (I like my leg room), the seats front and rear are comfy, I get good MPG (especially on motorways thanks to a 6 speed box). You get a good drivers position.

 

In the 3 years I've had it its needed a new turbo (overboost problem) which cost around £500 if I remember correctly, a new aircon pipe (£120) and a couple sets of tyres. The tyres on these cars have reinforced walls and cost over £100 a corner, but you get decent mileage out of them.

 

The engine is nice with good performance, considering the weight of the alhambra. With regards to parts, you can shop around between Ford and Seat for a good price.

 

Have you test drove one?

[Pot]

I loved the song when I heard it in Con Air

[Gord R]

HI Chap

 

Thanks for the reply. Very Helpful

 

As you say , im being drawn to the Seat because of the extra spec you get.

 

Parts/tyres it isnt to much of an issue because my old boy owns his own motorfactors.

 

Havent test driven one no , trying to find one locally we can go and look at.

 

How do you fine the PD engine, is yours the 115 or 130? Id imagine the 115 is the same setup as my GT TDi Golf and im impressed with it. What sort of mpg do you get, the old boy is big on mpg.

 

Thanks

Gordon

[Angarak]

Hi Gordon,

 

Its the PD 115 engine.

 

I've found the engine to be rather good, considering the weight of the Alhambra the performance is suprisingly good. Apart from the turbo and aircon nothing has gone wrong and I've put over 30,000 on it in the last 3 years.

 

I get just short of 600 on a full tank when Im doing motorway journeys. I'll keep an eye on the average MPG, not sure off the top of my head but its more than 35mpg pottering around town, etc.

 

Will keep an eye on it tomorrow to confirm

[Gord R]

Ah ha same engine as the Golf. I get high 40s out of that but dont really do much town driving.

 

Will have to track one down and go for a test drive. I was susprised at the towing capacity, will tow the track car more than happily.

[Guest dangerousandy]

In what respect?

 

where do i start!! Poor handling (new shape Galaxy, Previa and even the Zafira are much much better), very poor performance, the 1.9 diesel auto is utter rubbish - the gearbox keeps hunting for the right gear when you dont need to change etc. The carpets are very difficult to vacuum and the trim seems very flimsy. Don't forget all the ones I have driven have been either new or less than 6 months old and less than 14,000 miles!!!