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CATERHAM SEVEN (2011)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 35 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

91%

Total Tests (2024)

35

Avg Mileage

20,046 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,527

Is the 2011 CATERHAM SEVEN reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.

At 13 years old, 91% of CATERHAM SEVENs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 35 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 20,046 miles.

How does the 2011 CATERHAM SEVEN compare?

Rank among all 2011 cars97th out of 615(top 16%)
Rank among all CATERHAM models36th out of 64(top 56%)
vs national average+9% (82% avg)
vs 2011 cars average+14% (77% avg)
vs CATERHAM average+0% (91% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2011 CATERHAM SEVEN has 20,046 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-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 2011 CATERHAM SEVEN cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)
£1,137
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£200
Total per year£1,527
Per month£127/mo

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201278%4118,486 mi
201191%3520,046 mi
201067%6713,264 mi
200994%3113,010 mi
2008100%3315,679 mi
200790%3019,336 mi
199984%3127,925 mi
199894%3413,380 mi
199790%4029,877 mi

Checking a specific CATERHAM SEVEN?

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About the 2011 CATERHAM SEVEN

The 2011 CATERHAM SEVEN is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 35 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 2011 cars for reliability.

With an average of 20,046 miles at 13 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.

2011 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 2011 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 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 2011 CATERHAM SEVEN

At 13 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 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Alternatives to the 2011 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: