CarCostCheck

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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Petrol4475cc24 years old89 tests42k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4475cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200
Total per year£3,003
Per month£250/mo
Per week£58/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

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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?

Rank among 2002 models28th of 391(top 8%)
Rank among TVR models32nd of 63(top half)
vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)
vs 2002 models average+18%(73% avg)
vs TVR average+1%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

42,182

Average miles

vs

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200495%3715,926 mi
200291%8942,182 mi
200189%9453,124 mi
200087%9248,294 mi
199988%26449,288 mi
199886%34350,453 mi
199795%21244,495 mi
199687%10459,284 mi

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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 out

At 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 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 2002 TVR Cerbera stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
TVR Cerbera(2002)91%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,003
Mercedes CLK(2004)76%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,303+£300
BMW X5(2004)77%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,303+£300
Mercedes SL(2003)86%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153+£150
Rover 75(2004)69%£1,958£790Grp 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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Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the TVR Cerbera.

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