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P98 JAU

1997 Caterham Seven

Red Petrol 1600cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires27 Oct 2026
Tests22 (19 pass, 3 fail)
Pass rate86.4%

Mileage

19,579 mi
Last recorded19,579 miles
Recorded on23 Oct 2025
Typical for 1997 Caterham Seven18,790 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Caterham
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationP98 JAU
MakeCaterham
ModelSeven
Year1997
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,600cc

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50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

19 pass 3 fail
Pass 23 Oct 2025 19,579 miles

Central Front Lower Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Lower large under trays fitted

Pass 4 Oct 2024 19,198 miles
Pass 26 Oct 2023 18,978 miles
Pass 6 Oct 2022 18,526 miles

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Pass 28 Oct 2021 17,984 miles

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fail 19 Oct 2021 17,935 miles

Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Pass 26 Oct 2020 17,697 miles
Pass 18 Jun 2019 16,388 miles
Pass 21 May 2018 15,193 miles
Pass 30 May 2017 14,344 miles
Pass 14 Jun 2016 12,548 miles
Fail 14 Jun 2016 12,548 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Pass 15 Oct 2015 12,402 miles
Pass 4 Nov 2014 12,041 miles
Pass 22 Oct 2013 11,417 miles
Pass 1 Nov 2012 10,623 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Pass 21 Nov 2011 9,014 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Rear Anti-roll bar has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Fail 9 Dec 2010 6,983 miles

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Pass 9 Dec 2010 6,983 miles
Pass 15 Jun 2009 6,823 miles
Pass 13 Jun 2008 6,615 miles
Pass 9 May 2007 6,266 miles

Stored car.

How Reliable is the Caterham Seven?

Based on 6,710 MOT tests across 537 vehicles.

87.5%
Pass Rate
616
Miles/Year
55
Year Lifespan
537
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Stop lamp not working 84
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive 47
Steering rack gaiter split 42
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits 32
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 32
Full Caterham Seven reliability report

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P98 JAU is a 1997 Caterham Seven in Red with a 1,600cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 22 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 86.4%.

Across all 1997 Caterham Seven models, the average MOT pass rate is 87.2% with a typical mileage of 18,790 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Caterham Seven fails its MOT is stop lamp not working, accounting for 84 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P98 JAU, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Caterham Seven typically stays on UK roads for around 55 years. At 29 years old, this Caterham Seven is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P98 JAU?

You can check the full history of P98 JAU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P98 JAU registered?

P98 JAU is a 1997 Caterham Seven, first registered on 1 June 1997.

Is P98 JAU safe to buy?

The MOT history for P98 JAU shows 22 tests with a 86.4% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P98 JAU have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on P98 JAU. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.