CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 203 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,927
£161/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £1927/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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
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 5 years old, 86% of CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIEDs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 203 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 4,806 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
4,806
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED has 4,806 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
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 2021 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED
The 2021 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 203 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 91% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 4,806 miles at 5 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.
2021 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 2021 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2021 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED
At 5 years old, the CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 CATERHAM UNCLASSIFIED's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2021 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(2021) | 86% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1927 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2020) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| MINI COOPER(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| HYUNDAI TUCSON(2019) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
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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