1998 Caterham Seven (s3) MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Seven (s3) models manufactured in 1998, based on 1,669 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Seven (s3) cars tested in 1998. Want to see how cars built in 1998 hold up over time?
View 1998 Caterham Seven (s3) vintage page → (94.9% current pass rate)1998 Caterham Seven (s3) MOT Analysis
The 1998 Caterham Seven (s3) has an MOT pass rate of 85.6% based on 1,669 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 21,152 miles on the odometer. With a 14.4% failure rate, the 1998 Seven (s3) is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1998 Caterham Seven (s3) is Suspension, responsible for 0.2% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems is the second most common issue at 0.1%. Steering follows at 0.1%.
Top failures specific to 1998 models only. The overall Seven (s3) page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 0.2% | 4 |
| 2 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.1% | 2 |
| 3 | Steering | 0.1% | 2 |
| 4 | Identification Of The Vehicle | 0.1% | 2 |
| 5 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.1% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 21,152 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.11 | 0.2% | 4 |
| Seat Belts | 0.06 | 0.1% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.06 | 0.1% | 2 |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.06 | 0.1% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.03 | 0.1% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1998 Caterham Seven (s3) has an MOT pass rate of 85.6% based on 1,669 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 21,152 miles on the odometer. With a 14.4% failure rate, the 1998 Seven (s3) is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1998 Caterham Seven (s3), you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. With relatively low average mileage of 21,152 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Suspension — 0.2% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1998 Caterham Seven (s3) models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 0.1% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 0.1% of MOT failures on 1998 Caterham Seven (s3) models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Steering — 0.1% of failures
Steering issues account for 0.1% of MOT failures on 1998 Caterham Seven (s3) models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.