TVR 290 S (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 145 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,607
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3947cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3947cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%.
At 35 years old, 92% of TVR 290 Ss from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 145 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,175 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
68,175
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 TVR 290 S has 68,175 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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 1991 TVR 290 S
The 1991 TVR 290 S is a performance with a 3947cc petrol engine. 145 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 1991 cars for reliability.
With an average of 68,175 miles at 35 years old, 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.
1991 TVR 290 S Fuel Costs
The 3947cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 TVR 290 S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
TVR 290 S Reliability Trend
The TVR 290 S has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 TVR 290 S
At 35 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 TVR 290 S's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 35 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.
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 1991 TVR 290 S stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVR 290 S(1991) | 92% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2607 |
| PORSCHE 911(1990) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(1993) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| JAGUAR XJS(1993) | 84% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| TVR GRIFFITH(1992) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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