CATERHAM SEVEN (S3) (2012)

About the 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN (S3)

The 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN (S3) is a small family car with a 1588cc petrol engine. 40 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2012 cars for reliability.

With an average of 16,004 miles at 14 years old, 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.

2012 CATERHAM SEVEN (S3) Fuel Costs

The 1588cc 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 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN (S3)?

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 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

CATERHAM SEVEN (S3) Reliability Trend

Newer CATERHAM SEVEN (S3)s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 CATERHAM SEVEN (S3)

At 14 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. Note: with only 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.