Used car guide

1996 TVR Chimaera: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1996 TVR Chimaeras, from 299 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 299 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

299MOT tests in 2025
85%pass first time (all 1996 cars: 67%)
2,000typical miles a year
15%had oil and fluid leaks flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    15% 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.

  • Suspension
    13% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    11% 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
    9% 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.

  • Tyres
    6% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Looking at a TVR Chimaera?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2000172Oil and fluid leaks 9%
1999428Oil and fluid leaks 12%
1998568Oil and fluid leaks 13%
1997389Oil and fluid leaks 13%
1995243Oil and fluid leaks 19%
1994155Oil and fluid leaks 20%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1996 TVR Chimaeras registered in 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score