2003 Caterham Seven (S3) 1.8L Petrol · KE53 LMV
2003 Caterham Seven (S3) (1.8L, petrol). First registered 02 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 23,255 miles. MOT valid until 07 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- CATERHAM SEVEN (S3)
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Borehamwood (Luton)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 23,255 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
KE53 LMV Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/06/2026
- 23,255 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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KE53 LMV Mileage History
- 31/03/202222,573 mi
- 25/05/202222,580 mi+7 mi
- 09/06/202623,255 mi+675 mi
Average of roughly 163 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
KE53 LMV 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 2003 Caterham Seven (S3) (KE53 LMV) between March 2022 and June 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 June 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 (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”; “Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2003 Caterham Seven S3 offers appealing low mileage and a mostly clean MOT history, but the 2022 MOT failure without recorded defects warrants closer scrutiny before purchase.
Prioritise a pre-purchase inspection to investigate the 2022 MOT failure, as no defects were recorded despite the failure. Check service history for maintenance consistency, particularly around the 1796cc petrol engine. Negotiate based on the vehicle's age and the need for potential restoration work. Be wary of limited parts availability for this classic model.
As a 2003 petrol vehicle, it falls into a higher tax band (likely £140-£165 annually for 2026/27). Fuel economy is expected to be modest due to its 1.8L engine and lightweight design. Insurance group is likely high due to the car's performance characteristics. Maintenance costs could be elevated for a 23-year-old vehicle, with specialist repairs potentially required. Estimated annual running cost: £1,000-£1,500.
Examine the 2022 MOT failure documentation to understand its cause, as no defects were recorded. Check for corrosion or wear in the chassis and bodywork given the vehicle's age. Inspect the 1796cc engine for signs of leaks or wear, and verify that all fluids are clean. Confirm that the yellow paintwork shows no underlying damage or repainting.
The 2003 Caterham Seven S3 with registration KE53LMV has remained within 22,500 miles over 23 years, suggesting careful ownership. While most MOTs show no defects, a 2022 failure without recorded issues raises questions. No aggregate reliability data exists for this model, making condition checks critical.
No aggregate MOT data exists for the CATERHAM SEVEN (S3) model, making it difficult to assess general 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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