TVR Chimaera (2002)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 32 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,153
£263/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
4546cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
88% of MOT tests on TVR Chimaeras from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 32 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 46,796 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
46,796
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2002 TVR Chimaera had 46,796 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 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 83%. The 2002 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
TVR Chimaera by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 TVR Chimaera
The 2002 TVR Chimaera is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4546cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 32 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 2002 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 46,796 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.
2002 TVR Chimaera Fuel Costs
The 4546cc 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 Chimaera?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2002 TVR Chimaera
At 24 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%. Note: with only 32 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 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(2002) | 88% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153 |
| Mercedes CLK(2004) | 76% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£150 |
| BMW X5(2004) | 77% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£150 |
| Mercedes SL(2003) | 86% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153same |
| Rover 75(2004) | 69% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,503+£350 |
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 Chimaera
Is the 2002 TVR Chimaera reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2002 TVR Chimaeras ended in a pass, from 32 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2002 TVR Chimaera cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2002 TVR Chimaera?
88% of 32 MOT tests on the 2002 TVR Chimaera ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 46th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top 12%).
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 2002 TVR Chimaera?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 TVR Chimaera is 46,796 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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