2004 Caterham Seven (S3) 1.8L Petrol · R300 MYL
2004 Caterham Seven (S3) (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01/07/2004. Recorded mileage 10,463 miles. MOT valid until 27/05/2027. Taxed until 01/09/2026.
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 2004
- Engine
- 1795cc
R300 MYL Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/05/2026
- 10,463 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
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R300 MYL Mileage History
- 20/05/202410,181 mi
- 15/05/202510,425 mi+244 mi
- 22/05/202510,427 mi+2 mi
- 29/05/202610,463 mi+36 mi
Average of roughly 139 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
R300 MYL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Caterham Seven (S3) (R300 MYL) between May 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 29 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Steering (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
An exceptional low-mileage example for enthusiasts seeking a pureist driving experience. While the recent MOT history shows minor maintenance neglect related to age, the overall usage suggests a preserved specimen.
When buying a Caterham of this age, the primary concern is the state of rubber parts and mechanical seals. Given the low mileage, the car has likely spent long periods sitting; check for perished brake lines, cracked suspension boots, and perished rubber bushings. Ensure there is a comprehensive service history, as low-mileage cars are often neglected in terms of oil intervals.\n Pay close attention to the steering rack. The MOT history shows a progression of gaiter issues from 2025 to 2026; ensure these have been replaced to prevent internal rack damage. Also, check the anti-roll bar linkages, as these were flagged for 'play' in multiple recent tests.
Running costs are relatively low due to the vehicle's lightweight nature and small 1.8cc engine. You can expect decent fuel economy for a sports car, though insurance depends heavily on the driver's profile. Tax bands are generally lower for this engine size.\n\nMaintenance is typically straightforward due to the simple design of the car, but specialist parts can be more expensive than those for a standard hatchback. Budget an annual running cost of approximately £1,200-£1,500 including fuel, tax, insurance, and basic servicing.
Inspect the tyres thoroughly; the 2026 and 2025 MOTs both highlighted front tyres for cracking and perishing. Even if the tread is deep, the rubber may need replacing due to age. Check for hairline cracks in the sidewalls.\n\nExamine the steering rack gaiters. The vehicle history shows a failure in 2025 for a missing gaiter and a warning for a damaged one in the following year. Additionally, check the rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints for play, as these were identified as defects in the last three MOT tests.
This 2004 Caterham Seven (S3) is a remarkably low example, having covered just 10,463 miles in 22 years. Finished in vibrant orange, the 1.8L model appears to have been well-kept and stored. However, the recent MOT history indicates that because it is used infrequently, rubber components like tyres and gaiters are suffering from age-related perishing rather than wear.
The Caterham Seven is known for its mechanical simplicity, which generally makes it highly reliable provided the basic service schedule is followed regularly.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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