Caterham Seven (S3) (1990)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 31 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,033
£169/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£230
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1298cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Caterham brand average of 91%.
87% of MOT tests on Caterham Seven (S3)s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 31 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 39,253 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
39,253
Average miles
251,600
Expected for age
The average 1990 Caterham Seven (S3) had 39,253 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 86%. The 1990 scores 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Caterham Seven (S3) by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 93% | 40 | 16,004 mi | |
| 2011 | 93% | 30 | 14,241 mi | |
| 2010 | 98% | 85 | 16,427 mi | |
| 2009 | 95% | 62 | 16,632 mi | |
| 2008 | 96% | 78 | 17,886 mi | |
| 2007 | 91% | 68 | 21,458 mi | |
| 2006 | 90% | 72 | 22,879 mi | |
| 2005 | 94% | 108 | 25,049 mi | |
| 2004 | 88% | 117 | 24,266 mi | |
| 2003 | 94% | 106 | 29,269 mi | |
| 2002 | 93% | 117 | 30,776 mi | |
| 2001 | 88% | 74 | 23,704 mi | |
| 2000 | 90% | 110 | 30,131 mi | |
| 1999 | 94% | 213 | 28,243 mi | |
| 1998 | 97% | 181 | 22,980 mi | |
| 1997 | 86% | 206 | 27,923 mi | |
| 1996 | 91% | 136 | 32,005 mi | |
| 1995 | 87% | 68 | 38,407 mi | |
| 1994 | 94% | 113 | 36,410 mi | |
| 1993 | 81% | 80 | 28,863 mi | |
| 1992 | 87% | 68 | 31,446 mi | |
| 1991 | 88% | 51 | 30,774 mi | |
| 1990 | 87% | 31 | 39,253 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1990 Caterham Seven (S3)
The 1990 Caterham Seven (S3) is a small family car. Our records list a 1298cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 31 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 22% of all 1990 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 39,253 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Caterham Seven (S3) 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.
1990 Caterham Seven (S3) Fuel Costs
The 1298cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 Caterham Seven (S3)?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Caterham Seven (S3) Reliability Trend
The Caterham Seven (S3) has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Buying a Used 1990 Caterham Seven (S3)
At 36 years old, the Caterham Seven (S3) 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. Note: with only 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 1990 Caterham Seven (S3) stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caterham Seven (S3)(1990) | 87% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,033 |
| Volkswagen Golf(1991) | 80% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,411+£378 |
| Rover Mini(1990) | 80% | £1,175 | £230 | Grp 1-8 | £1,810-£223 |
| Ford Escort(1990) | 85% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,178+£145 |
| Peugeot 205(1990) | 80% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,033same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 1990 Caterham Seven (S3)
Is the 1990 Caterham Seven (S3) reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 1990 Caterham Seven (S3)s ended in a pass, from 31 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1990 Caterham Seven (S3) cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Caterham Seven (S3)?
87% of 31 MOT tests on the 1990 Caterham Seven (S3) ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 39th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top 22%).
Which year Caterham Seven (S3) has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Caterham Seven (S3) has the highest MOT pass rate at 97% and the 1997 the lowest at 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1990 Caterham Seven (S3)?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Caterham Seven (S3) is 39,253 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Caterham Models
Explore other Caterham cars or similar models in the same category.
Volkswagen Golf
1991 · 1781cc Petrol
Rover Mini
1990 · 998cc Petrol
Ford Escort
1990 · 1597cc Petrol
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