TVR 290 S (1990)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 90 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,738
£228/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2933cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the TVR brand average of 90%.
82% of MOT tests on TVR 290 Ss from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 90 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 85,188 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
85,188
Average miles
251,600
Expected for age
The average 1990 TVR 290 S had 85,188 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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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TVR 290 S by Year
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About the 1990 TVR 290 S
The 1990 TVR 290 S is a large car. Our records list a 2933cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 90 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 85,188 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, TVR 290 S 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.
1990 TVR 290 S Fuel Costs
The 2933cc 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 1990 TVR 290 S?
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 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1990 TVR 290 S
At 36 years old, the TVR 290 S 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. Note: with only 90 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 outAt 36 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 85k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 1990 TVR 290 S 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVR 290 S(1990) | 82% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738 |
| Mercedes 300(1992) | 83% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738same |
| Porsche 911(1991) | 91% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,588-£150 |
| Porsche 944(1990) | 85% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738same |
| Mercedes SL(1992) | 87% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £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 1990 TVR 290 S
Is the 1990 TVR 290 S reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1990 TVR 290 Ss ended in a pass, from 90 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1990 TVR 290 S 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 1990 TVR 290 S?
82% of 90 MOT tests on the 1990 TVR 290 S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 81st of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 1990 TVR 290 S?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 TVR 290 S is 85,188 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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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