Used car guide

1999 TVR Griffith: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the TVR Griffith first registered in 1999: we looked at the 187 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 187 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

187MOTs of 1999 cars, done in 2023–2025
90%pass first time (all 1999 cars: 63%)
1,800typical miles a year
10%had oil and fluid leaks flagged

Common 1999 TVR Griffith MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 TVR Griffith MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    10% 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.

  • Suspension
    10% 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.

  • Tyres
    5% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    4% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    3% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    3% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 TVR Griffith

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 Griffith?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the TVR Griffith compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2002–Too few tests
2001–Too few tests
2000–Too few tests
1998210Suspension 8%
1997219Suspension 7%
1996205Oil and fluid leaks 11%
1995187Suspension 13%
1994113Lights and electrics 13%
1993–Too few tests
1992530Oil and fluid leaks 12%

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 Griffith cars first registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score