TVR S2 (1990)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 114 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,888
£241/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2935cc Petrol
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the TVR brand average of 90%.
75% of MOT tests on TVR S2s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 114 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 79,633 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
79,633
Average miles
251,600
Expected for age
The average 1990 TVR S2 had 79,633 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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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About the 1990 TVR S2
The 1990 TVR S2 is a large car. Our records list a 2935cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 114 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 79,633 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, TVR S2 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.
1990 TVR S2 Fuel Costs
The 2935cc 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 1990 TVR S2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1990 TVR S2
At 36 years old, the TVR S2 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.
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 36 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 1990 TVR S2 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 S2(1990) | 75% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,888 |
| Mercedes 300(1992) | 83% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738-£150 |
| Porsche 911(1991) | 91% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,588-£300 |
| Porsche 944(1990) | 85% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738-£150 |
| Mercedes SL(1992) | 87% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £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 1990 TVR S2
Is the 1990 TVR S2 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1990 TVR S2s ended in a pass, from 114 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1990 TVR S2 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 TVR S2?
75% of 114 MOT tests on the 1990 TVR S2 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 134th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom half).
What is the average mileage for a 1990 TVR S2?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 TVR S2 is 79,633 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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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