TVR 290 S (1992)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 83 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3947cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol3947cc34 years old83 tests54k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3947cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the TVR brand average of 90%.

76% of MOT tests on TVR 290 Ss from 1992 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 32 years old. That's based on 83 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 54,345 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1992 models97th of 172(bottom half)

Rank among TVR models59th of 63(bottom 8%)

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

vs 1992 models average-1%(77% avg)

vs TVR average-14%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

54,345

Average miles

236,800

Expected for age

The average 1992 TVR 290 S had 54,345 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1992	76%	83	54,345 mi
1991	92%	145	68,175 mi
1990	82%	90	85,188 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Porsche 911

1990 · 3600cc Petrol

£2,588/year

91%

+15%

Land Rover Range Rover

1994 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,738/year

80%

+4%

Jaguar XJS

1993 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,738/year

84%

+8%

Jaguar XJ

1994 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,738/year

86%

+10%

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About the 1992 TVR 290 S

The 1992 TVR 290 S is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3947cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 83 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1992, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 54,345 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.

1992 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 1992 TVR 290 S?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1992 TVR 290 S

At 34 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 83 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 out

At 34 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 1992 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(1992)	76%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Porsche 911(1990)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300
Land Rover Range Rover(1994)	80%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Jaguar XJS(1993)	84%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Jaguar XJ(1994)	86%	£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 1992 TVR 290 S

Is the 1992 TVR 290 S reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1992 TVR 290 Ss ended in a pass, from 83 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1992 TVR 290 S cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1992 TVR 290 S?

76% of 83 MOT tests on the 1992 TVR 290 S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 97th of 172 models first registered in 1992 (bottom half).

What is the average mileage for a 1992 TVR 290 S?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1992 TVR 290 S is 54,345 miles, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.