Caterham Super 7 (2003)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 44 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,078
£173/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1595cc Petrol
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
Check a specific Caterham Super 7
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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%.
86% of MOT tests on Caterham Super 7s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 44 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 19,755 miles.
Got a Caterham Super 7 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
19,755
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2003 Caterham Super 7 had 19,755 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Looking at a specific Caterham Super 7?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Caterham Super 7 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Caterham Super 7
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2003 Caterham Super 7
The 2003 Caterham Super 7 is a small family car. Our records list a 1595cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 44 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 19,755 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.
2003 Caterham Super 7 Fuel Costs
The 1595cc 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 2003 Caterham Super 7?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2003 Caterham Super 7
At 23 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. Note: with only 44 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 2003 Caterham Super 7 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 Super 7(2003) | 86% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,078 |
| MINI(2005) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£150 |
| Ford Focus(2005) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£150 |
| Ford Fiesta(2003) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£75 |
| Toyota Yaris(2005) | 73% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£75 |
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 2003 Caterham Super 7
Is the 2003 Caterham Super 7 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2003 Caterham Super 7s ended in a pass, from 44 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2003 Caterham Super 7 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 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 2003 Caterham Super 7?
86% of 44 MOT tests on the 2003 Caterham Super 7 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 48th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 12%).
What is the average mileage for a 2003 Caterham Super 7?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Caterham Super 7 is 19,755 miles, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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.
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Caterham Super 7.
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
Reliability20 Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026: Real MOT Pass Rate Rankings
10 min read
ReliabilityMost Reliable Used Cars UK 2026 (Ranked With Real MOT Data)
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific Caterham Super 7
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Caterham Super 7? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included