Used car guide

1990 TVR Tasmin: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the TVR Tasmin first registered in 1990: we looked at the 107 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 107 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

107MOTs of 1990 cars, done in 2023–2025
83%pass first time (all 1990 cars: 72%)
1,800typical miles a year
21%had oil and fluid leaks flagged

Common 1990 TVR Tasmin MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 TVR Tasmin MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    21% 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
    19% 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
    19% 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
    9% 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
    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.

  • Steering
    7% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 TVR Tasmin

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 Tasmin?

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 Tasmin compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1989–Too few tests
1988–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 Tasmin cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score