CATERHAM SEVEN (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,657
£138/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1657/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%.
At 17 years old, 94% of CATERHAM SEVENs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 13,010 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
13,010
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 CATERHAM SEVEN has 13,010 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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CATERHAM SEVEN by Year
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About the 2009 CATERHAM SEVEN
The 2009 CATERHAM SEVEN is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2009 cars for reliability.
With an average of 13,010 miles at 17 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.
2009 CATERHAM SEVEN Fuel Costs
The 1598cc 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 2009 CATERHAM SEVEN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,657 (£138/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2009 CATERHAM SEVEN
At 17 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 CATERHAM SEVEN's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2009 CATERHAM SEVEN stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CATERHAM SEVEN(2009) | 94% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1657 |
| FORD FOCUS(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£170 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£65 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£65 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£117 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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