Used car guide

2001 TVR Chimaera: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the TVR Chimaera first registered in 2001: we looked at the 137 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 137 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

137MOTs of 2001 cars, done in 2023–2025
93%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 60%)
2,200typical miles a year
10%had oil and fluid leaks flagged

Common 2001 TVR Chimaera MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 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
    10% 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
    6% 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.

  • 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.

  • Brakes
    4% 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 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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    2% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 TVR Chimaera

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 a TVR Chimaera?

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Other years

Every year of the TVR Chimaera compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2000511Oil and fluid leaks 12%
19991,281Oil and fluid leaks 11%
19981,698Oil and fluid leaks 12%
19971,149Suspension 12%
1996899Oil and fluid leaks 16%
1995716Oil and fluid leaks 16%
1994434Oil and fluid leaks 16%
1993310Lights and electrics 14%

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 Chimaera cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score