TVR Griffith 500 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 216 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4988cc Petrol

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Petrol4988cc29 years old216 tests51k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4988cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/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

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

92% of MOT tests on TVR Griffith 500s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 216 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 50,729 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models24th of 306(top 8%)

Rank among TVR models23rd of 63(top half)

vs average of all models+10%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+17%(75% avg)

vs TVR average+2%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

50,729

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 TVR Griffith 500 had 50,729 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 1996 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 90%. The 1997 scores 92%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

TVR Griffith 500 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2002	98%	42	13,753 mi
2001	89%	35	36,186 mi
2000	100%	42	41,258 mi
1999	90%	182	48,644 mi
1998	90%	213	44,349 mi
1997	92%	216	50,729 mi
1996	96%	221	64,150 mi
1995	90%	225	55,690 mi
1994	88%	99	54,018 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes SL

1997 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

-5%

TVR Chimaera

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

-4%

Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

1998 · 5379cc Petrol

£2,588/year

93%

+1%

BMW M5

1999 · 4941cc Petrol

£2,738/year

89%

-3%

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About the 1997 TVR Griffith 500

The 1997 TVR Griffith 500 is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4988cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 216 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 8% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 50,729 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, TVR Griffith 500 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.

1997 TVR Griffith 500 Fuel Costs

The 4988cc 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 1997 TVR Griffith 500?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

TVR Griffith 500 Reliability Trend

The TVR Griffith 500 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 TVR Griffith 500

At 29 years old, the TVR Griffith 500 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

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 29 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 1997 TVR Griffith 500 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 Griffith 500(1997)	92%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588
Mercedes SL(1997)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
TVR Chimaera(1999)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph(1998)	93%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588same
BMW M5(1999)	89%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150

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 1997 TVR Griffith 500

Is the 1997 TVR Griffith 500 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 1997 TVR Griffith 500s ended in a pass, from 216 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 TVR Griffith 500 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 1997 TVR Griffith 500?

92% of 216 MOT tests on the 1997 TVR Griffith 500 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 24th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 8%).

Which year TVR Griffith 500 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 TVR Griffith 500 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 1999 the lowest at 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 TVR Griffith 500?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 TVR Griffith 500 is 50,729 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.