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CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED (1999)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 48 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

85%

Total Tests (2024)

48

Avg Mileage

22,308 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,677

Is the 1999 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the CATERHAM brand average of 91%.

At 25 years old, 85% of CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIEDs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 48 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 22,308 miles.

How does the 1999 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED compare?

Rank among all 1999 cars66th out of 375(top 18%)
Rank among all CATERHAM models56th out of 64(top 87%)
vs national average+3% (82% avg)
vs 1999 cars average+10% (75% avg)
vs CATERHAM average-6% (91% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 1999 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED has 22,308 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 UNCLASSIFIED?

The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 86%. The 1999 sits between the two at 85%.

How much does a 1999 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1588cc)
£1,137
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,677
Per month£140/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202186%2034,806 mi
202091%1815,349 mi
201990%3275,345 mi
201892%3556,207 mi
201792%3218,044 mi
201691%24711,388 mi
201597%6511,540 mi
201488%408,392 mi
201392%22214,969 mi
201290%8815,657 mi
201184%3811,795 mi
2010100%3014,394 mi
200884%3212,150 mi
200689%3817,088 mi
199985%4822,308 mi

Checking a specific CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED?

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About the 1999 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED

The 1999 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED is a small family car with a 1588cc petrol engine. 48 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 1999 cars for reliability.

With an average of 22,308 miles at 25 years old, CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED 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.

1999 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED 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 1999 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,677 (£140/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend

The CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1999 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED

At 25 years old, the CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED 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 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. Note: with only 48 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Alternatives to the 1999 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED

The CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: