Used car guide

2005 TVR Sagaris: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the TVR Sagaris first registered in 2005: we looked at the 270 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 270 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

270MOTs of 2005 cars, done in 2023–2025
95%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 57%)
1,600typical miles a year
3%had exhaust and emissions flagged

Common 2005 TVR Sagaris MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 TVR Sagaris MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • 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.

  • Tyres
    3% 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.

  • Suspension
    3% 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
    2% 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
    1% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 TVR Sagaris

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 Sagaris?

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 Sagaris compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2006–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 Sagaris cars first registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score