2012 Caterham Seven 1.6L Petrol · DC12 HDE
2012 Caterham Seven (1.6L, petrol). First registered 21 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 11,090 miles. MOT valid until 18 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- CATERHAM SEVEN
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 11,090 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
DC12 HDE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/04/2026
- 11,090 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DC12 HDE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Caterham Seven (DC12 HDE) between November 2021 and April 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 1 advisory notice notes an item to monitor.
In total 1 advisory notice is 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.
DC12 HDE Mileage History
- 22/11/20218,619 mi
- 11/04/20239,511 mi+892 mi
- 20/04/20249,973 mi+462 mi
- 15/04/202510,764 mi+791 mi
- 15/04/202611,090 mi+326 mi
Average of roughly 562 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: Excellent
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 classic, but buyers should verify maintenance history to address past minor issues.
Prioritise checking the battery and oil system to ensure the 2024 'insecure battery' and 2023 'oil leak' issues were fully resolved. Request full service records to confirm maintenance consistency. Negotiate slightly given the past defects, but the low mileage and clean recent MOTs justify a fair price. Be aware that Caterham Sevens require specialist servicing, which may impact long-term costs.
The 1.6L petrol engine likely delivers average fuel economy (around 30-35 mpg), with £15-£20 per tank at 2026 prices. Road tax is £145 annually (2012 model, 1598cc engine). Insurance groups for lightweight sports cars like the Seven typically range £1,200-£1,800 annually. Maintenance costs may be higher due to specialist parts, with annual servicing around £300-£500. Estimated total annual running cost: £800-£1,000.
Inspect the battery terminal connections and mounting bracket to confirm the 2024 'insecure battery' issue was fixed. Check for oil stains around the engine and gaskets to verify the 2023 'oil leak' was resolved. Examine the chassis and suspension for corrosion, common in 14-year-old convertibles. Test the throttle response and clutch operation, as these components can degrade in older sports cars. Verify that all MOT certificates match the vehicle's VIN and registration.
The vehicle has a clean MOT record for the last three years, with only minor past issues (oil leak, battery insecurity). At 11,090 miles, it has below-average mileage for its 14-year age, suggesting careful ownership. No aggregate reliability data exists for the model, but the VIN-specific history shows generally good condition.
No aggregate MOT data exists for the Caterham Seven model, but this vehicle shows generally good maintenance trends despite minor past issues.
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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