TVR Griffith 500 (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 35 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4988cc Petrol

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £3,153/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

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

89% of MOT tests on TVR Griffith 500s from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 35 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 36,186 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models33rd of 350(top 10%)

Rank among TVR models40th of 63(bottom half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2001 models average+16%(73% avg)

vs TVR average-1%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

36,186

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 TVR Griffith 500 had 36,186 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2001 scores 89%. 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

2003 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

-3%

Mercedes CLK

2000 · 5439cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

-8%

Mercedes ML

2003 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,303/year

74%

-15%

TVR Chimaera

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

-1%

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About the 2001 TVR Griffith 500

The 2001 TVR Griffith 500 is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4988cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 35 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2001 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 36,186 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.

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 £1,958 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 2001 TVR Griffith 500?

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 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 2 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

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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
TVR Griffith 500(2001)	89%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Mercedes SL(2003)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Mercedes CLK(2000)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£415
Mercedes ML(2003)	74%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
TVR Chimaera(1999)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£415

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 2001 TVR Griffith 500

Is the 2001 TVR Griffith 500 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2001 TVR Griffith 500s ended in a pass, from 35 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 TVR Griffith 500 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 2001 TVR Griffith 500?

89% of 35 MOT tests on the 2001 TVR Griffith 500 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 33rd of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top 10%).

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 2001 TVR Griffith 500?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 TVR Griffith 500 is 36,186 miles, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.