TVR Chimaera (1993)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 346 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3952cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3952cc33 years old346 tests61k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3952cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the TVR brand average of 90%.

84% of MOT tests on TVR Chimaeras from 1993 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 31 years old. That's based on 346 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 61,207 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1993 models49th of 188(top half)

Rank among TVR models54th of 63(bottom 16%)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 1993 models average+8%(76% avg)

vs TVR average-6%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

61,207

Average miles

229,400

Expected for age

The average 1993 TVR Chimaera had 61,207 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-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 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 83%. The 1993 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

TVR Chimaera by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2002	88%	32	46,796 mi
2001	97%	98	54,232 mi
2000	86%	291	52,732 mi
1999	88%	1,468	58,014 mi
1998	92%	1,685	56,573 mi
1997	91%	1,178	58,676 mi
1996	89%	920	58,670 mi
1995	86%	684	64,826 mi
1994	83%	433	67,005 mi
1993	84%	346	61,207 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes E

1995 · 3606cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-5%

Porsche 911

1995 · 3600cc Petrol

£2,738/year

89%

+5%

Land Rover Range Rover

1994 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,738/year

80%

-4%

Jaguar XJS

1995 · 4000cc Petrol

£2,738/year

89%

+5%

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About the 1993 TVR Chimaera

The 1993 TVR Chimaera is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3952cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 346 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1993, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 61,207 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, TVR Chimaera 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.

1993 TVR Chimaera Fuel Costs

The 3952cc 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 1993 TVR Chimaera?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

TVR Chimaera Reliability Trend

Newer TVR Chimaeras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1993 TVR Chimaera

At 33 years old, the TVR Chimaera 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

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 33 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 1993 TVR Chimaera 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 Chimaera(1993)	84%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Mercedes E(1995)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Porsche 911(1995)	89%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Land Rover Range Rover(1994)	80%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Jaguar XJS(1995)	89%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same

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 1993 TVR Chimaera

Is the 1993 TVR Chimaera reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 1993 TVR Chimaeras ended in a pass, from 346 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1993 TVR Chimaera cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1993 TVR Chimaera?

84% of 346 MOT tests on the 1993 TVR Chimaera ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 49th of 188 models first registered in 1993 (top half).

Which year TVR Chimaera has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 TVR Chimaera has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 1994 the lowest at 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1993 TVR Chimaera?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1993 TVR Chimaera is 61,207 miles, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.