CATERHAM SEVEN (2008)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 33 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
100%
Total Tests (2024)
33
Avg Mileage
15,679 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,527
Is the 2008 CATERHAM SEVEN reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 18 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the CATERHAM brand average of 91%.
At 16 years old, 100% of CATERHAM SEVENs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 15,679 miles.
How does the 2008 CATERHAM SEVEN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2008 CATERHAM SEVEN has 15,679 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-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 2008 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 2008 CATERHAM SEVEN
The 2008 CATERHAM SEVEN is a small family car with a 1600cc petrol engine. 33 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 1% of all 2008 cars for reliability.
With an average of 15,679 miles at 16 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.
2008 CATERHAM SEVEN Fuel Costs
The 1600cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 CATERHAM SEVEN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,527 (£127/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 100% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2008 CATERHAM SEVEN
At 16 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 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2008 CATERHAM SEVEN
The CATERHAM SEVEN is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2008) 72% pass rate (-28%) from 109,443 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2009) 74% pass rate (-26%) from 105,193 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2010) 74% pass rate (-26%) from 99,909 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2010) 67% pass rate (-33%) from 60,994 tests