TVR S3 (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 59 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2935cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2935cc36 years old59 tests77k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2935cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the TVR brand average of 90%.

80% of MOT tests on TVR S3s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 59 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 76,818 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models103rd of 182(bottom half)

Rank among TVR models58th of 63(bottom 10%)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average+1%(79% avg)

vs TVR average-10%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

76,818

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 TVR S3 had 76,818 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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TVR S3 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1992	76%	33	59,330 mi
1991	96%	46	69,217 mi
1990	80%	59	76,818 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes 300

1992 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,738/year

83%

+3%

Porsche 911

1991 · 3164cc Petrol

£2,588/year

91%

+11%

Porsche 944

1990 · 2969cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+5%

Mercedes SL

1992 · 2960cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+7%

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About the 1990 TVR S3

The 1990 TVR S3 is a large car. Our records list a 2935cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 59 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 76,818 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, TVR S3 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 S3 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 S3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1990 TVR S3

At 36 years old, the TVR S3 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. Note: with only 59 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 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 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 1990 TVR S3 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 S3(1990)	80%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738
Mercedes 300(1992)	83%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same
Porsche 911(1991)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£150
Porsche 944(1990)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same
Mercedes SL(1992)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same

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 S3

Is the 1990 TVR S3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 1990 TVR S3s ended in a pass, from 59 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 TVR S3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 1990 TVR S3?

80% of 59 MOT tests on the 1990 TVR S3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 103rd of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom half).

What is the average mileage for a 1990 TVR S3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 TVR S3 is 76,818 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.