TVR GRIFFITH (1996)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 115 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,607
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4997cc Petrol
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 4997cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%.
At 30 years old, 93% of TVR GRIFFITHs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 115 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 46,627 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
46,627
Average miles
222,000
Expected for age
The average 1996 TVR GRIFFITH has 46,627 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-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?
The most reliable year is the 1997 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 81%. The 1996 sits between the two at 93%.
TVR GRIFFITH by Year
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About the 1996 TVR GRIFFITH
The 1996 TVR GRIFFITH is a performance with a 4997cc petrol engine. 115 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 7% of all 1996 cars for reliability.
With an average of 46,627 miles at 30 years old, TVR GRIFFITH 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.
1996 TVR GRIFFITH Fuel Costs
The 4997cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1996 TVR GRIFFITH?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
TVR GRIFFITH Reliability Trend
Newer TVR GRIFFITHs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 TVR GRIFFITH
At 30 years old, the TVR GRIFFITH 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 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1996 TVR GRIFFITH's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 30 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 1996 TVR GRIFFITH stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVR GRIFFITH(1996) | 93% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2607 |
| MERCEDES SL(1997) | 87% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| TVR CHIMAERA(1997) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
| ROLLS ROYCE SILVER SERAPH(1998) | 93% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
| TVR GRIFFITH 500(1995) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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