2005 Caterham Seven (S3) 1.4L Petrol · L55 MJA

A consistent record of roadworthiness defines this vehicle, characterized by a series of clean passes and only minor, easily rectifiable failures. The most recent test on 2026-07-20 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, continuing a trend of stability seen over the last several years. Previous failures were limited to peripheral items such as headlamp aim and windscreen wiper effectiveness, both of which were addressed immediately to achieve a pass. The recorded mileage of 15,553 miles is low for a twenty-one-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 741 miles per year. Such a low rate of accumulation suggests the vehicle has spent significant periods stationary or has been used sparingly. Mechanically, this usage profile shifts the focus from wear-and-tear on the drivetrain and suspension to the potential degradation of rubber components and the effects of prolonged inactivity. Attention should be directed toward the offside front wheel bearing, which was flagged with slight play during the July 2025 inspection. During a test drive, listen for a rhythmic humming or droning sound that increases in pitch with vehicle speed, particularly when loading the bearing through gentle steering inputs. The current state of the windscreen should also be inspected for the damage noted in 2025 to confirm it does not obstruct the driver's field of vision or present a risk of further cracking. Given the failure of the windscreen wiper in 2023, the wiper mechanism and blade condition should be verified for smooth operation and effective clearing. While the overall MOT history is relatively clean, the low mileage necessitates a close inspection of all suspension bushes and rubber seals for signs of perishing or cracking, as these components can degrade regardless of distance travelled.