CATERHAM SEVEN (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 41 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
41
Avg Mileage
18,486 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the CATERHAM brand average of 91%.
At 12 years old, 78% of CATERHAM SEVENs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 41 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 18,486 miles.
How does the 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN has 18,486 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2012 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 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN
The 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 41 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 18,486 miles at 12 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.
2012 CATERHAM SEVEN Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN
At 12 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 41 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2013) 78% pass rate (same) from 132,292 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2013) 72% pass rate (-6%) from 84,989 tests
- MERCEDES C (2012) 79% pass rate (+1%) from 59,235 tests
- MINI MINI (2010) 80% pass rate (+2%) from 59,218 tests