2002 Caterham Seven (S3) 1.8L Petrol · C2 MAO
2002 Caterham Seven (S3) (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Oct 2002. Recorded mileage 4,018 miles. MOT expired on 12 Jan 2025. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- CATERHAM SEVEN (S3)
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 12 Jan 2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 4,018 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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C2 MAO Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/01/2024
- 4,018 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
C2 MAO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 Caterham Seven (S3) (C2 MAO) between January 2023 and January 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 January 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Recorded failure items include: “Front Registration plate missing (0.1 (a))”.
C2 MAO Mileage History
- 13/01/20234,014 mi
- 13/01/20234,014 mi
- 03/01/20244,018 mi+4 mi
Average of roughly 4 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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 2002 Caterham Seven S3 presents a v
When inspecting this 2002 Caterham Seven S3, closely examine the electrical wiring and mounting points for the rear indicators, as the MOT history highlights a recurring issue with the nearside rear direction indicator being insecure. Given the extremely low mileage of 4,018 miles recorded across recent tests, confirm the provenance and frequency of use through any available service documentation or past MOT certificates. Because Caterhams are often used seasonally or stored for long periods, check for stale fuel, fluid leaks, and the condition of consumable items such as tyres and rubber suspension components.
Running costs for a Caterham Seven are typically dictated by specialist insurance premiums and maintenance rather than fuel consumption, given its very low annual usage of around 4 miles between recent tests. The 1.8-litre engine sits in an insurance group reflective of its sports performance, and vehicle tax falls under standard petrol vehicle bands for its 2002 registration year. Maintenance costs will largely depend on whether consumable items like brake pads and fluids require replacement due to age rather than wear.
Pay close attention to the items flagged in the vehicle's MOT history, specifically the nearside rear direction indicator mounting and wiring. Inspect the front registration plate mounting to ensure it is secure, addressing the failure point noted in January 2023. Given the model's aggregate failure trends, thoroughly check the condition of the headlamps, exhaust system, and parking brake efficiency during a physical inspection.
First registered in October 2002 and finished in yellow with a 1796.0cc petrol engine, this Caterham Seven S3 has covered exceptionally low mileage, sitting at just 4,018 miles during its January 2024 test. The MOT records show a single failure in January 2023 due to a missing front registration plate and an insecure nearside rear direction indicator, both of which were promptly rectified for a pass on the same day. Subsequent testing in January 2024 recorded a pass with a single advisory for the same insecure indicator.
Caterham Seven models achieve an aggregate MOT pass rate of 89.4% across 1,468 analysed vehicles, with common test hurdles involving headlamps, exhausts, and parking brakes.
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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