TVR V8S (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 90 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,607
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3948cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3948cc
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.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 35 years old, 91% of TVR V8Ss from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 90 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,782 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
73,782
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 TVR V8S has 73,782 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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 1991 TVR V8S
The 1991 TVR V8S is a performance with a 3948cc petrol engine. 90 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 13% of all 1991 cars for reliability.
With an average of 73,782 miles at 35 years old, TVR V8S 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.
1991 TVR V8S Fuel Costs
The 3948cc 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 1991 TVR V8S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 1991 TVR V8S
At 35 years old, the TVR V8S 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 90 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 TVR V8S's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 35 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 1991 TVR V8S stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVR V8S(1991) | 91% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2607 |
| PORSCHE 911(1990) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(1993) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| JAGUAR XJS(1993) | 84% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| TVR GRIFFITH(1992) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
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.
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