Caterham Super 7 (2004)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 33 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,808
£234/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2261cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 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 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
88% of MOT tests on Caterham Super 7s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 33 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 18,760 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
18,760
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2004 Caterham Super 7 had 18,760 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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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Caterham Super 7 by Year
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About the 2004 Caterham Super 7
The 2004 Caterham Super 7 is a large car. Our records list a 2261cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 33 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 2004 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 18,760 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.
2004 Caterham Super 7 Fuel Costs
The 2261cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 2004 Caterham Super 7?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2004 Caterham Super 7
At 22 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 33 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.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 2004 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(2004) | 88% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,808 |
| BMW 3 Series(2006) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361-£447 |
| Renault Clio(2006) | 68% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711-£97 |
| Audi A4(2006) | 76% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511-£297 |
| Mercedes C(2006) | 74% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511-£297 |
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 2004 Caterham Super 7
Is the 2004 Caterham Super 7 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2004 Caterham Super 7s ended in a pass, from 33 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2004 Caterham Super 7 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2004 Caterham Super 7?
88% of 33 MOT tests on the 2004 Caterham Super 7 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 52nd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top 12%).
What is the average mileage for a 2004 Caterham Super 7?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Caterham Super 7 is 18,760 miles, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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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