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CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED (2012)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 88 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

90%

Total Tests (2024)

88

Avg Mileage

15,657 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,527

Is the 2012 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

At 12 years old, 90% of CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIEDs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 88 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 15,657 miles.

How does the 2012 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED compare?

Rank among all 2012 cars128th out of 685(top 19%)
Rank among all CATERHAM models39th out of 64(top 61%)
vs national average+8% (82% avg)
vs 2012 cars average+12% (78% avg)
vs CATERHAM average-1% (91% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2012 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED has 15,657 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2012 sits between the two at 90%.

How much does a 2012 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)
£1,137
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£200
Total per year£1,527
Per month£127/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 2012 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED

The 2012 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 88 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 2012 cars for reliability.

With an average of 15,657 miles at 12 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.

2012 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs

The 1598cc 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 UNCLASSIFIED?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,527 (£127/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2012 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED

At 12 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 88 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Alternatives to the 2012 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: