CATERHAM SUPER 7 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 34 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
34
Avg Mileage
21,726 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1998 CATERHAM SUPER 7 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CATERHAM brand average of 91%.
At 26 years old, 71% of CATERHAM SUPER 7s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 34 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 21,726 miles.
How does the 1998 CATERHAM SUPER 7 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 CATERHAM SUPER 7 has 21,726 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a CATERHAM SUPER 7?
The most reliable year is the 1997 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 82%. The 1998 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1998 CATERHAM SUPER 7 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
CATERHAM SUPER 7 by Year
Checking a specific CATERHAM SUPER 7?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 CATERHAM SUPER 7
The 1998 CATERHAM SUPER 7 is a family car with a 1800cc petrol engine. 34 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 21,726 miles at 26 years old, CATERHAM SUPER 7 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.
1998 CATERHAM SUPER 7 Fuel Costs
The 1800cc 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 1998 CATERHAM SUPER 7?
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 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1998 CATERHAM SUPER 7
At 26 years old, the CATERHAM SUPER 7 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 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. Note: with only 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 CATERHAM SUPER 7
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+2%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (same) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+8%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+4%) from 5,268 tests