Emily's dad

We replaced our Alhambra for a Mazda 5 and cannot fault it. It's only really a 6 + 1 and not a full seven seater as the centre seat in the 2nd row is tiny, and is designed to fold away. I cannot fault it though and would not go back, the sliding rear doors are so much more useful in tight parking spaces when putting the kids in car seats.

Apparently my car was hooked up to Seat diagnostics for a total of 16 hours and some of that time directly to Seat HQ in Milton Keynes. What it actually cost I don't know as it was done under warranty When I was handed the keys back it was running fine, but I wasn't told exactly what they had done. The suggestion made to me was that I need to drive the car further and harder to stop the carbon build up on the turbo charger. I suggested that I shouldn't have to drive my car further or harder, as when I bought the car no one at Seat said, this car is rubbish if you only do short journeys. Anyway I've solved the problem once and for all. Half an hour after getting the car back I part exchanged it for a Mazda 5. No more reliability problems for me.

Glad you've got your car sorted and its as good as new, what about my repair bill. My Alhambra has been in at a Seat dealers for 6 days now whilst they try to sort out an overboost problem. Fortunately for me its still under warranty, but what would the labour cost of that be ?

This thread covers the sticking vanes issue www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.php?showtopic=15484 I am having trouble with my Alhambra, and thought that the vanes were sticking. It's in the Seat dealership at the minute, they have had it for 4 days now and still haven't resolved the problem. That is after having it for 2 days in April where they changed the N75 valve. Makes you wonder if dealers actually have any idea what they are doing. Fortunately mines under warranty so won't cost me a penny.

It hasn't worked. Less than 250 miles later mine has started tripping out again, it's going back to Seat on Monday. The only consolation is that mines still under warranty. The wife has begun to lose faith in the car and we've started to look around for something else, she's got her eye on a Rav 4 at the minute. I'll keep you updated.

Also found this post which seems to have different part numbers. I suspect Ford, Seat and VW may use the sme part with different codes on. "Re the N75. I just ordered mine from a local ford dealer. Part number F1003803 sensor assy.

Could be the N75 Valve. I had similar turbo problems, was diagnosed and fixed under warranty as the N75, pressure converter valve.

Part number is 1J0906627A. My invoice shows it costing a grand total of

Had mine recently replaced uner warranty at a seat dealers. I will dig out the invoice and find the part number. They are available on line, as on the paperwork it only had the part number. I checked it on google and it came back as the N75 valve.

All I was thinking was another caravan towed by a Volvo :D Only joking, I have to say I don't know much about caravans but that looks mighty impressive, I'm sure you'll enjoy some quality time with the kids in it.

So's mine, but I never bother with it, stick it in drive and off I go.

Do you have any more info of the history of the gearbox. Has it ever been overhauled, had it's oil changed etc etc. It's a bit difficult to say until we know a bit more.

Manual v Auto is a choice only you can really make. Those who like autos will recommend them and those that have never owned or driven one are generally manual fans. At home we've got a auto Alhambra and a manual toyota avensis My wife and I both use both cars and I have no preference as to which one I drive. The wife much prefers the auto, mainly for the reasons others have outlined, more relaxing drive etc etc. Auto does suit the Alhambra as although you hear people say manuals are more involving to drive a big old MPV is never going to be a "drivers " car down to its size and weight and as we bought ours to ferry the kids around in its perfect. At work our cars are automatics and when you are stuck in traffic they are a godsend, what is your typical journey like ? Any chance of test driving both a manual and auto to see what you like better ?

My alhambra is still under warranty so went back to my local Seat dealers for a service and some warranty work.

Do you belong to any motoring organisations, AA, RAC, IAM etc. Often they have some sort of legal helpline who may be able to help and often they carry a bit more clout than the individual. Similarly you may have some help under your insurance policy as if you took out the legal cover they may too be of some assistance.

Mine was tripping out and I thought an engine "workout" had cured it, but no. Fortunately my Alhambra is still under warranty and today had the N75 Pressure converter changed after being linked up to the diagnostic computer at my local Seat dealers. Fingers crossed it's done the trick Dave.

My Alhambra suffered simlar problems. Fortunately it is still under warranty and the fault was diagnosed as the N75 Pressure converter for the turbo, changed free of charge. Fingers crossed.

I've always found that as much as you like the car you are selling, the excitement of a new toy always makes up for getting rid of the old one.

I totally agree with the wish to rid cars of too many electrical odds and ends I've just got rid on one of my toys, a 1974 Rover P6 3500s, so simple to work on, if you had a spark and fuel you had forward motion. With a bit of time and logical thinking there wasn't anything that couldn't be easily fixed with the most basic of tools. Dave.

I spent a lot of time researching to find a decent quality roof box at a good price. As you mention Halfords is way too expensive and boxes on ebay are either worn out or cost a fortune in postage. I ended up buying one of these from this supplier www.carracks.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=3 Fantastic service, box arrived within 2 days. If I recall it is made by THULE but sold as their budget range. I have a wife and two daughters and it was sufficiently large to cope. It locks in three places and has adjustable fittings, it's been on the roof of a Toyota Avensis, Renault Scenic, a volvo S60 and our Alhambra. As for the bars I just bought a new adjustable set off ebay for about

Last week we had the same problem with our 2005 Alhambra 115TDI Tiptronic 18000 miles. The wife usually uses it for short journeys, kids to school, shops etc. She's a gentle driver and with the auto box the engine doesn't get any workout. I drove it the other day, got to a dual carriageway and boot down, got up to about 50mph and that was it, limp mode. Got home let it cool down,restart and everything seems OK. Did some checking on the internet and came to the same conclusion as mentioned earlier, turbo is sticking due to carbon. I shall at the weekend be taking it out for a long hard drive to clear it out. Does anyone know if this will show up on a diagnostic check, as our car is still under warranty and is due its annual service very soon. Dave.

Are you a member of any motoring organisation like the RAC or AA. Both have great legal departments which could probably help you. Hope you get it sorted sooner rather than later Dave.

I've got a 115 TDI Seat which is auto with the Stylance level of trim. My brother has got 2.3 Manual Galaxy which is Ghia spec. When you get in one from the other they both have pretty much the same amount of "toys". The petrol engine is smoother and quieter and is quicker, but you pay for that at the pumps. To be honest the diesel engine isn't bad and on the move not that noisy. Specification wise theres really nothing in it between a Stylance trim Seat or a Ghia Ford. I was happy to buy the seat to save some cash. Petrol or diesel, manual or auto is a different matter. Good luck in your search. Dave.

Just thought I'd say hi. Hopefully if I run into any problems with my car you'll be able to help. I actualy run a Seat Alhambra 1.9TDI but my brothers got a 2.3 Galaxy. Anyway Best wishes to you all for the New Year Dave.