Used car guide

2003 TVR Tuscan: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the TVR Tuscan first registered in 2003: we looked at the 340 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 340 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

340MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
91%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
1,800typical miles a year
7%had lights and electrics flagged

Common 2003 TVR Tuscan MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 TVR Tuscan MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • 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.

  • Suspension
    6% 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
    5% 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.

  • Tyres
    4% 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
    3% 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.

  • Steering
    3% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 TVR Tuscan

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 Tuscan?

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 Tuscan compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2008–Too few tests
2006169Suspension 9%
2005265Lights and electrics 5%
2004142Suspension 8%
2002395Suspension 6%
2001562Tyres 6%
2000467Lights and electrics 9%

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 Tuscan cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score