Used car guide

2004 TVR Tamora: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the TVR Tamora first registered in 2004: we looked at the 104 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 104 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

104MOTs of 2004 cars, done in 2023–2025
87%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 57%)
1,600typical miles a year
8%had brakes flagged

Common 2004 TVR Tamora MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 TVR Tamora MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    8% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    8% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Tyres
    7% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    7% 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.

  • Suspension
    5% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    4% 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 2004 TVR Tamora

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 Tamora?

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 Tamora compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2005–Too few tests
2003116Lights and electrics 10%
2002172Tyres 10%

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 Tamora cars first registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score