Used car guide

1990 Ferrari Testarossa: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Ferrari Testarossa first registered in 1990: we looked at the 128 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 128 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

128MOTs of 1990 cars, done in 2023–2025
98%pass first time (all 1990 cars: 72%)
600typical miles a year
2%had lights and electrics flagged

Common 1990 Ferrari Testarossa MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Ferrari Testarossa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Lights and electrics
    2% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    2% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    1% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Tyres
    1% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    1% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Ferrari Testarossa

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Ferrari Testarossa?

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Other years

Every year of the Ferrari Testarossa compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
1991103Lights and electrics 6%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Ferrari Testarossa cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score