Caterham Seven S3 (1974-1998) reliability
Caterham Seven S3 built before 2000: fails its MOT less often than average
Caterham Seven S3 models built before 2000 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at a Caterham Seven S3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
11% of MOT tests on Caterham Seven S3 models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Caterham Seven S3 models built before 2000 involves fluid leaks.
Based on 538 tests of Seven models registered 1974-1998.
About 1 in 20 Seven S3 MOTs (4.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 538 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.2% and 6.8%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 75 Seven S3 MOTs (1.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Based on 538 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 0.8% and 2.9%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
S3 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.
How the Seven S3 compares
At each age below, see how the Seven S3 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 672 tests across 1 Caterham models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Axles & Wheels
Worth checkingInspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Brakes
Worth checkingInspect the brakes carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other convertibles to compare
Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Seven S3.
- 1
Mercedes-Benz SL
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 17.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.5%
No clear edge over the Caterham Seven S3 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
5,842 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
Mazda MX-5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97.6%
No clear edge over the Caterham Seven S3 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
16,460 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 3
MG B
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.5%
No clear edge over the Caterham Seven S3 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
2,865 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 4
Alfa Romeo Spider
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.8%
No clear edge over the Caterham Seven S3 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,562 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Caterham Seven name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
S3 variants compared
Most common issues on Caterham Sevens of this age
This list covers every Caterham Seven built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the S3 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 17.0%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 25.4%Advisory
Wheel bearing has slight play
- 34.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 43.3%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 53.1%Advisory
Brake binding slightly
Based on 672 tests
Looking at a Caterham Seven S3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Caterham Seven S3 (1974-1998) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 538 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.