There are lots of differences notagoodname but nothing that actually matters, the important bits are the same. Its very hard to compare the two in detail, I tried for a couple of hours with the brochure and price list in front of me and still struggled, there are lots of things not on the equipement list. There are some little refinements that VW keep for themselfs, like a velour lined glove box rather than plastic or rubberised mats at the bottom of storage bins, things like that that dont really matter. They are built on the same production line. I came to the conclusion that the Alhanbra was no more than £500 cheaper for the same spec.

Depreciation was very close the last time I looked, VW was better by very small margin.

One thing to check is the exhaust system, all VW have a stainless steel exhaust or at least they did but I happened to look at a seat that was up on one of those dispay ramps and it had an aluminised exhaust. With VWs cost cutting in the last couple of years its hard to be sure.

Are you planning to buy new or used?

I didnt even know that about the wheel size. The 17" are fine on mine, still 50 profile so not bad. Suspension I find very good anyway.

You likley know all about this but the emissions fix is an issue if you get a diesel with very little ino out there about its effect. My opinion is try for an unfixed one if you can, You can get the update later if you want. If its had the fix give it a good test drive and make sure you get the free AdBlue vouchers LOL

Nice quiet solid car, I like mine even if its not very exciting.

Edited by Stanb Sevento on 11/06/2017 at 20:11

Just spoke to someone who has had the fix on their 2011 Sharan, he says slight loss of power when pulling away from standstill but no difference once on the move, also down a couple of mpg. Regenerates more often but nothing drastic. Two years of peace of mind is worth a good bit.

I have heared that the newer EURO 6 models are the same, slightly slower to get off the mark than an unfixed EURO 5. If you have never driven one you may not even notice.

The Sharam has 65% darkened glass from the B piller back and slight tint on the front. All the glass is heat insulating. I dont see the Alhambra being any different.

If you want to keep the car cool in the summer have a look at these, taylor made sun blinds and Climair wind deflectors. They keep the car even cooler and let you drive with the windows open slightly with out all the wind noise or let air through the car if parked in the sun. From the outside you cant see the windows are open a bit. Both of these are the same make as VAG sell but a lot cheaper. I tend to fit the blinds in the sping ond remove in the winter. Great if you have kids or pets.

No marks on head lining, could the polen filter be missing on that car?

That's really helpful - will have a look.

Re the pollen filter - no idea but it did have fair bit of what looked like matted, muddy straw plastered underneath so wonder if it's been used by a farmer - lots of dusty tracks perhaps. Safer to find another one..