1997 CATERHAM 1.6L PETROL

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status as evidenced by its most recent pass in April 2026 at 32,902 miles. The maintenance trend appears stable, though the record shows a recurring advisory regarding the rear tyres. While the car has passed without any recorded defects between 2022 and 2024, the appearance of perishing in the two most recent tests indicates a specific area of concern that requires attention. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 29-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,135 miles per year. Between April 2022 and April 2026, the car covered only 2,742 miles, suggesting a pattern of infrequent use or long seasonal storage. This low usage typically reduces mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine components, but it often leads to the degradation of rubber-based parts that suffer from age and oxidation rather than distance travelled. A buyer should prioritise a physical inspection of the rear tyres, as the repeated flags for cracking and perishing in 2025 and 2026 suggest the rubber compound is reaching the end of its structural life despite sufficient tread depth. Given the age of the vehicle and the low mileage pattern, it is also vital to inspect the chassis for corrosion and the brake lines for perishability or cracking. The suspension bushings and brake calipers should be checked for seizing or tearing, which are common issues in vehicles that remain stationary for long periods.