CATERHAM SUPER 7 (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 32 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,657
£138/month
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Excellent
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1595cc Petrol
Great Choice
97% pass rate, £1657/year to run. 15 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1595cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the CATERHAM brand average of 91%.
At 14 years old, 97% of CATERHAM SUPER 7s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 15,598 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
15,598
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 CATERHAM SUPER 7 has 15,598 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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?
The most reliable year is the 1997 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 82%. The 2012 sits between the two at 97%.
CATERHAM SUPER 7 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 CATERHAM SUPER 7
The 2012 CATERHAM SUPER 7 is a small family car with a 1595cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 4% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 15,598 miles at 14 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.
2012 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 £1,137 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 SUPER 7?
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 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2012 CATERHAM SUPER 7
At 14 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 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 CATERHAM SUPER 7's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2012 CATERHAM SUPER 7 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CATERHAM SUPER 7(2012) | 97% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1657 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2014) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£65 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£170 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£170 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£117 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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