2012 Caterham Seven 1.8L Petrol · RX12 KNJ
2012 Caterham Seven (1.8L, petrol). First registered 18 Jun 2012. Recorded mileage 8,824 miles. MOT valid until 09 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- CATERHAM SEVEN
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 09 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 8,824 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
RX12 KNJ Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/05/2026
- 8,824 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RX12 KNJ 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 2012 Caterham Seven (RX12 KNJ) between July 2023 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 11 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: Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”.
RX12 KNJ Mileage History
- 25/07/20237,944 mi
- 25/07/20237,951 mi+7 mi
- 17/01/20257,980 mi+29 mi
- 11/05/20268,824 mi+844 mi
Average of roughly 315 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
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Known faults for Caterham Caterham Seven (Rover K-Series)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2012 Caterham Seven offers strong value for a low-mileage, well-maintained sports car, though the 2023 MOT failure warrants a pre-purchase inspection.
Prioritise a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the exhaust system and Lambda sensor, which failed in 2023. Verify service history for any recurring issues and ensure the vehicle's iconic lightweight design hasn't been modified. Negotiate slightly based on the 2023 failure, but the clean recent MOTs justify a strong offer. Check for rust or corrosion typical in older convertibles.
Fuel economy for the 1.8L petrol engine is likely average for a sports car (around 30-35 mpg). As a 2012 model, it falls into the 0% company car tax band. Insurance groups for Caterhams tend to be mid-range (likely £1,000-£1,500 annually). Maintenance costs may be higher due to specialist parts, but low mileage reduces wear. Estimated annual running cost: £1,000-£1,300.
Inspect the exhaust system for leaks or damage, particularly the Lambda sensor and catalytic converter. Check for rust in the chassis and bodywork, common in older Caterhams. Test the lightweight 1.8L engine for smooth operation and confirm the manual transmission shifts cleanly. Verify that the 2023 MOT failure was fully resolved with documented repairs.
The vehicle has an excellent recent MOT record (three consecutive passes with no defects) and exceptionally low mileage (8,824 miles for a 14-year-old car). A single 2023 MOT failure related to an exhaust Lambda reading was resolved before subsequent passes. No aggregate reliability data exists for the model, but the vehicle's condition suggests careful ownership.
No aggregate MOT data available for the Caterham Seven model to assess broader reliability trends.
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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