Used car guide

1996 MG RV8: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the MG RV8 first registered in 1996: we looked at the 192 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 192 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

192MOTs of 1996 cars, done in 2023–2025
90%pass first time (all 1996 cars: 66%)
1,000typical miles a year
16%had oil and fluid leaks flagged

Common 1996 MG RV8 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 MG RV8 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    16% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Lights and electrics
    7% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    6% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Steering
    6% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    3% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 MG RV8

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at an MG RV8?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the MG RV8 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1995521Oil and fluid leaks 13%
1994516Oil and fluid leaks 18%
1993231Oil and fluid leaks 19%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of MG RV8 cars first registered in 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score