1997 Caterham Seven 1.6L Petrol · R369 BMV

This 1997 Caterham Seven has passed its most recent MOT on 28 April 2026 at 58,520 miles, but the test report reveals a consistent pattern of wear across the front brake system and suspension that has persisted for at least the past year. The offside front brake pads are wearing thin and the service brake on that side shows binding—a combination that suggests uneven brake wear, possibly due to caliper stiction or alignment issues. The nearside front upper suspension arm ball joint continues to show slight play, a recurring advisory that has appeared on every MOT record since at least May 2025. The vehicle's mileage history is notably low at roughly 2,018 miles per year over its 29 years. This can mask deferred maintenance if the car has spent prolonged periods standing, particularly concerning for fluid seals, hydraulic systems, and rubber components that deteriorate with age regardless of use. In this case, the rear exhaust leak recorded in May 2025, the corroded rear coil spring noted in April 2023, and the persistent suspension play all point to age-related degradation rather than hard use—consistent with a lightly driven but aging vehicle. The trend over the past twelve months is not improving. The same brake and suspension issues remain present, with no evidence of remedial work between test dates. The rear tyre wear noted in 2023 and 2021 was addressed by the time of the May 2025 test, but the current brake pad wear is active and requires attention before the next test or before extended driving. A buyer should treat the binding front brake and worn pads as an immediate pre-purchase inspection priority.