Caterham Seven SV chassis (2006-present) reliability
Caterham Seven SV chassis built around 2008: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Caterham Seven SV chassises built around 2008 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a Caterham Seven SV chassis?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 300 tests of Seven models registered 2006+.
SV chassis 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 15 years old.
How the Seven SV chassis compares
At each age below, see how the Seven SV chassis holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 80 tests across 1 Caterham models, built around 2008 (17 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.
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.
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.
Headlight aim
If you have timePark facing a wall at night and check the beam pattern is even and at the right height.
Other convertibles to compare
Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Seven SV chassis.
- 1
Mazda MX-5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 24.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 8.6%
- Dangerous
- 4.6%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97.6%
No clear edge over the Caterham Seven SV chassis on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
7,682 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- 2
Mercedes-Benz SLK
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 9.3%
- Dangerous
- 4.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 92.7%
No clear edge over the Caterham Seven SV chassis on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,291 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- 3
BMW Z4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 22.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 8.5%
- Dangerous
- 5.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 96%
No clear edge over the Caterham Seven SV chassis on these figures.
2,896 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- 4
Porsche Boxster
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 4.8%
- Dangerous
- 2.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97.9%
No clear edge over the Caterham Seven SV chassis on these figures.
1,510 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- 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.
Most common issues on Caterham Sevens of this age
This list covers every Caterham Seven built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the SV chassis on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 17.5%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 26.3%Advisory
Wheel bearing has slight play
- 33.8%Minor
Suspension ball joint dust cover badly deteriorated
- 43.8%Advisory
Headlamp aimed too low or out of line
- 53.8%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
Based on 80 tests
Looking at a Caterham Seven SV chassis?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Caterham Seven SV chassis (2006-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 80 17-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.