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TVR GRIFFITH 500 (2001)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 35 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4988cc Petrol

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2757/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Petrol4988cc25 years old35 tests36k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4988cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 4988cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/wk

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

89% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.

At 25 years old, 89% of TVR GRIFFITH 500s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 35 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,186 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 cars34th of 362(top 9%)
Rank among TVR models40th of 64(top 62%)
vs national average+7%(82% avg)
vs 2001 cars average+16%(73% avg)
vs TVR average-1%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

36,186

Average miles

vs

185,000

Expected for age

The average 2001 TVR GRIFFITH 500 has 36,186 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 1996 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 88%. The 2001 sits between the two at 89%.

TVR GRIFFITH 500 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200298%4213,753 mi
200189%3536,186 mi
2000100%4241,258 mi
199990%18248,644 mi
199890%21344,349 mi
199792%21650,729 mi
199696%22164,150 mi
199590%22555,690 mi
199488%9954,018 mi

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About the 2001 TVR GRIFFITH 500

The 2001 TVR GRIFFITH 500 is a performance with a 4988cc petrol engine. 35 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2001 cars for reliability.

With an average of 36,186 miles at 25 years old, 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.

2001 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2001 TVR GRIFFITH 500?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

TVR GRIFFITH 500 Reliability Trend

The TVR GRIFFITH 500 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2001 TVR GRIFFITH 500

At 25 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%. Note: with only 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2001 TVR GRIFFITH 500's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 25 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 2001 TVR GRIFFITH 500 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
TVR GRIFFITH 500(2001)89%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2757
MERCEDES SL(2003)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
MERCEDES CLK(2000)81%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
MERCEDES ML(2003)74%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£360
TVR CHIMAERA(1999)88%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£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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Related Guides

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