1991 TVR 290: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the TVR 290 first registered in 1991: we looked at the 178 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 178 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1991 TVR 290 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1991 TVR 290 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics11% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks8% 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.
- Steering7% 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.
- Suspension7% 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.
- Brakes6% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions6% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 TVR 290
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a TVR 290?
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 TVR 290 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1990 | – | Too few tests |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of TVR 290 cars first registered in 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score