TVR 290 S (1991)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 145 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,588
£216/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3947cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
92% of MOT tests on TVR 290 Ss from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 145 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,175 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
68,175
Average miles
244,200
Expected for age
The average 1991 TVR 290 S had 68,175 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-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 large-engined car. Our records list a 3947cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 145 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 1991 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 68,175 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.
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 £1,958 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 1991 TVR 290 S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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.
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
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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVR 290 S(1991) | 92% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,588 |
| Porsche 911(1990) | 91% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,588same |
| Land Rover Range Rover(1993) | 81% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738+£150 |
| Jaguar XJS(1993) | 84% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738+£150 |
| TVR Griffith(1992) | 88% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738+£150 |
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 1991 TVR 290 S
Is the 1991 TVR 290 S reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 1991 TVR 290 Ss ended in a pass, from 145 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1991 TVR 290 S cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 TVR 290 S?
92% of 145 MOT tests on the 1991 TVR 290 S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 16th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top 10%).
What is the average mileage for a 1991 TVR 290 S?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 TVR 290 S is 68,175 miles, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-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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