CATERHAM SEVEN (2009)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 31 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Total Tests (2024)
31
Avg Mileage
13,010 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,527
Is the 2009 CATERHAM SEVEN reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%.
At 15 years old, 94% of CATERHAM SEVENs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 13,010 miles.
How does the 2009 CATERHAM SEVEN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2009 CATERHAM SEVEN has 13,010 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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 2009 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 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 2024, 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 15 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 £1,527 (£127/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 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 15 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 2009 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 FOCUS (2011) 75% pass rate (-19%) from 115,331 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2011) 75% pass rate (-19%) from 111,868 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2008) 72% pass rate (-22%) from 109,443 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2011) 75% pass rate (-19%) from 79,721 tests