MG RV8 (1995)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 432 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3940cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol3940cc31 years old432 tests32k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3940cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

88% of MOT tests on MG RV8s from 1995 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 29 years old. That's based on 432 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 32,122 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1995 models28th of 221(top 13%)

Rank among MG models80th of 155(bottom half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 1995 models average+12%(76% avg)

vs MG average+2%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

32,122

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1995 MG RV8 had 32,122 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 88%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

MG RV8 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	97%	32	14,450 mi
1996	90%	125	31,345 mi
1995	88%	432	32,122 mi
1994	91%	411	31,658 mi
1993	91%	197	40,792 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

-7%

Porsche 911

1996 · 3600cc Petrol

£2,588/year

91%

+3%

Mercedes E

1995 · 3606cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-9%

Jaguar XJ

1997 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,738/year

80%

-8%

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About the 1995 MG RV8

The 1995 MG RV8 is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3940cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 432 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 13% of all 1995 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 32,122 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, MG RV8 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1995 MG RV8 Fuel Costs

The 3940cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1995 MG RV8?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MG RV8 Reliability Trend

The MG RV8 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1995 MG RV8

At 31 years old, the MG RV8 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 31 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1995 MG RV8 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
MG RV8(1995)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Porsche 911(1996)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£150
Mercedes E(1995)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Jaguar XJ(1997)	80%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1995 MG RV8

Is the 1995 MG RV8 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 1995 MG RV8s ended in a pass, from 432 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1995 MG RV8 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1995 MG RV8?

88% of 432 MOT tests on the 1995 MG RV8 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 28th of 221 models first registered in 1995 (top 13%).

Which year MG RV8 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 MG RV8 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 1995 the lowest at 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1995 MG RV8?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1995 MG RV8 is 32,122 miles, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.