TVR Tuscan (2005)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 194 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,153
£263/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3996cc Petrol
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
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%.
85% of MOT tests on TVR Tuscans from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 194 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 60,279 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
60,279
Average miles
140,600
Expected for age
The average 2005 TVR Tuscan had 60,279 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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 2003 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 85%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
TVR Tuscan by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2005 TVR Tuscan
The 2005 TVR Tuscan is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3996cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 194 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 2005 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 60,279 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, TVR Tuscan 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.
2005 TVR Tuscan Fuel Costs
The 3996cc 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 2005 TVR Tuscan?
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 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TVR Tuscan Reliability Trend
The TVR Tuscan has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 TVR Tuscan
At 21 years old, the TVR Tuscan 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 21 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 2005 TVR Tuscan 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 Tuscan(2005) | 85% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153 |
| Land Rover Range Rover(2006) | 80% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153same |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2005) | 82% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153same |
| Porsche 911(2006) | 90% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003-£150 |
| Volvo XC90(2006) | 73% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£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 2005 TVR Tuscan
Is the 2005 TVR Tuscan reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2005 TVR Tuscans ended in a pass, from 194 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2005 TVR Tuscan 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 2005 TVR Tuscan?
85% of 194 MOT tests on the 2005 TVR Tuscan ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 77th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top 16%).
Which year TVR Tuscan has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 TVR Tuscan has the highest MOT pass rate at 97% and the 2005 the lowest at 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2005 TVR Tuscan?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 TVR Tuscan is 60,279 miles, which is significantly below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related TVR Models
Explore other TVR cars or similar models in the same category.
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2005 · 4394cc Petrol
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