2009 Caterham Seven 2.0L Petrol · GN09 CFG
2009 Caterham Seven (2.0L, petrol). First registered 04 Mar 2009. Recorded mileage 23,310 miles. MOT expired on 02 Dec 2023.
- Make & Model
- CATERHAM SEVEN
- Year / Origin
- 2009 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 02 Dec 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 23,310 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- 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.
GN09 CFG Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/12/2022
- 23,310 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GN09 CFG 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 2009 Caterham Seven (GN09 CFG) between October 2021 and December 2022.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 December 2022 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: Lighting (2 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”.
GN09 CFG Mileage History
- 08/10/202121,848 mi
- 02/12/202223,310 mi+1,462 mi
- 03/12/202223,310 mi
Average of roughly 1,269 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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 2009 Caterham Seven offers strong performance and character but requires careful inspection due to a 2022 MOT failure with no recorded defects. Its low mileage and clean MOT history elsewhere make it a viable option for enthusiasts.
Prioritise checking service records for the 2022 MOT failure—confirm if it was a minor issue like a light bulb or sensor fault. Inspect the engine, suspension, and brakes for wear, as these are critical for a high-performance vehicle. Verify the vehicle's history for any accident reports or title issues. Negotiate based on the MOT failure, though its lack of defects reduces immediate concerns.
A 1998cc petrol engine will likely have moderate fuel economy (around 25-30 mpg), with annual fuel costs depending on usage. Tax would be £155 annually (2026 rates for cars over 10 years old). Insurance groups for sports cars are typically high, potentially costing £1,000+ yearly. Maintenance costs may exceed average due to specialist parts, though the car's simplicity could offset this.
Check for corrosion in the lightweight aluminium chassis and bodywork, as these are prone to rust in older models. Inspect the engine for oil leaks or unusual wear, and test the suspension for stiffness or noise. Verify that the 2022 MOT failure was resolved, and check the exhaust system for damage. Review service records for regular maintenance, as Caterham Sevens require attentive care.
The 2009 Caterham Seven has a mostly clean MOT history, with only one failure in 2022 that showed no defects. At 23,310 miles, the mileage is reasonable for a 17-year-old vehicle. While no model-wide reliability data exists, its lightweight sports car design suggests potential maintenance considerations.
No aggregate MOT data is available for the Caterham Seven, but its lightweight, high-performance design typically requires regular maintenance and careful ownership.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
CATERHAM SEVEN Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2009 model year cars.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.