CATERHAM SEVEN (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 31 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Total Tests (2024)
31
Avg Mileage
27,925 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 1999 CATERHAM SEVEN reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the CATERHAM brand average of 91%.
At 25 years old, 84% of CATERHAM SEVENs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 27,925 miles.
How does the 1999 CATERHAM SEVEN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 CATERHAM SEVEN has 27,925 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1999 CATERHAM SEVEN cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
CATERHAM SEVEN by Year
Checking a specific CATERHAM SEVEN?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 CATERHAM SEVEN
The 1999 CATERHAM SEVEN is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 22% of all 1999 cars for reliability.
With an average of 27,925 miles at 25 years old, CATERHAM SEVEN owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1999 CATERHAM SEVEN Fuel Costs
The 1796cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 CATERHAM SEVEN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1999 CATERHAM SEVEN
At 25 years old, the CATERHAM SEVEN is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1999 CATERHAM SEVEN
The CATERHAM SEVEN is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- TOYOTA YARIS (2001) 71% pass rate (-13%) from 12,710 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (-16%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-11%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-13%) from 8,442 tests