Used car guide

2001 TVR Cerbera: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the TVR Cerbera first registered in 2001: 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 2001 cars, done in 2023–2025
84%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 60%)
1,800typical miles a year
9%had suspension flagged

Common 2001 TVR Cerbera MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 TVR Cerbera MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    9% 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.

  • Brakes
    9% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    9% 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.

  • Tyres
    9% 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
    7% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    7% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 TVR Cerbera

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 TVR Cerbera?

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Other years

Every year of the TVR Cerbera compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2002–Too few tests
2000126Suspension 13%
1999244Wipers, windscreen and mirrors 6%
1998284Suspension 8%
1997271Suspension 7%
1996–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of TVR Cerbera cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score