TVR TASMIN (1990)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 116 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,277
£190/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2792cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 9 points above average.
Check a specific TVR TASMIN
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2792cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this TVR TASMIN
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 36 years old, 91% of TVR TASMINs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 116 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 57,786 miles.
Got a TVR TASMIN you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
57,786
Average miles
266,400
Expected for age
The average 1990 TVR TASMIN has 57,786 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Looking at a specific TVR TASMIN?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Tvr Tasmin
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 1990 TVR TASMIN
The 1990 TVR TASMIN is a large car with a 2792cc petrol engine. 116 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 1990 cars for reliability.
With an average of 57,786 miles at 36 years old, TVR TASMIN 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 TASMIN Fuel Costs
The 2792cc 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 1990 TVR TASMIN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 1990 TVR TASMIN
At 36 years old, the TVR TASMIN 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
Based on the 1990 TVR TASMIN's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 TASMIN stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVR TASMIN(1990) | 91% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2277 |
| MERCEDES 300(1992) | 83% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£30 |
| PORSCHE 911(1991) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£180 |
| PORSCHE 944(1990) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£30 |
| VOLVO 700 SERIES(1990) | 75% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397+£120 |
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.
Related Tvr Models
Explore other Tvr cars or similar models in the same category.
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Tvr Tasmin.
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Reliability20 Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026: Real MOT Pass Rate Rankings
10 min read
ReliabilityMost Reliable Used Cars UK 2026 (Data From 50M Real MOT Tests)
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific TVR TASMIN
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a TVR TASMIN? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data