CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 247 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,897
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £1897/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
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 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 91% of CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIEDs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 247 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 11,388 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
11,388
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED has 11,388 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 2015 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2016 sits between the two at 91%.
CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 86% | 203 | 4,806 mi | |
| 2020 | 91% | 181 | 5,349 mi | |
| 2019 | 90% | 327 | 5,345 mi | |
| 2018 | 92% | 355 | 6,207 mi | |
| 2017 | 92% | 321 | 8,044 mi | |
| 2016 | 91% | 247 | 11,388 mi | |
| 2015 | 97% | 65 | 11,540 mi | |
| 2014 | 88% | 40 | 8,392 mi | |
| 2013 | 92% | 222 | 14,969 mi | |
| 2012 | 90% | 88 | 15,657 mi | |
| 2011 | 84% | 38 | 11,795 mi | |
| 2010 | 100% | 30 | 14,394 mi | |
| 2008 | 84% | 32 | 12,150 mi | |
| 2006 | 89% | 38 | 17,088 mi | |
| 1999 | 85% | 48 | 22,308 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED
The 2016 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 247 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 11,388 miles at 10 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.
2016 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,897 (£158/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% 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 2016 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED
At 10 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 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.
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 2016 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED(2016) | 91% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £1897 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£220 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2014) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£70 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£315 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2015) | 88% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£220 |
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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