TVR Cerbera (2002)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 89 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,003
£250/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
4475cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £3,003/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
91% of MOT tests on TVR Cerberas from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 89 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 42,182 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
42,182
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2002 TVR Cerbera had 42,182 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 1997 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2002 scores 91%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
TVR Cerbera by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 TVR Cerbera
The 2002 TVR Cerbera is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4475cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 89 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 8% of all 2002 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 42,182 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, TVR Cerbera 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.
2002 TVR Cerbera Fuel Costs
The 4475cc 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 2002 TVR Cerbera?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,003 (£250/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
TVR Cerbera Reliability Trend
Older TVR Cerberas tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2002 TVR Cerbera
At 24 years old, the TVR Cerbera 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 89 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 24 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 2002 TVR Cerbera 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 Cerbera(2002) | 91% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003 |
| Mercedes CLK(2004) | 76% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£300 |
| BMW X5(2004) | 77% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£300 |
| Mercedes SL(2003) | 86% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153+£150 |
| Rover 75(2004) | 69% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,503+£500 |
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 2002 TVR Cerbera
Is the 2002 TVR Cerbera reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 2002 TVR Cerberas ended in a pass, from 89 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2002 TVR Cerbera cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,003 a year (£250 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2002 TVR Cerbera?
91% of 89 MOT tests on the 2002 TVR Cerbera ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 28th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top 8%).
Which year TVR Cerbera has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 TVR Cerbera has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1998 the lowest at 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2002 TVR Cerbera?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 TVR Cerbera is 42,182 miles, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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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