1989 Tvr 280s MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 280s models manufactured in 1989, based on 61 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1989 Tvr 280s MOT Analysis
The 1989 Tvr 280s has an MOT pass rate of 45.9% based on 61 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 51,896 miles on the odometer. With a 54.1% failure rate, the 1989 280s is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Tvr 280s is Body, chassis, structure, responsible for 3.3% of failures. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs range from £100–500+. Steering is the second most common issue at 3.3%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall 280s page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 3.3% | 2 |
| 2 | Steering | 3.3% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 51,896 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 0.63 | 3.3% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.63 | 3.3% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Tvr 280s has an MOT pass rate of 45.9% based on 61 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 51,896 miles on the odometer. With a 54.1% failure rate, the 1989 280s is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Tvr 280s, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to body, chassis, structure: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely. At 51,896 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Body, chassis, structure — 3.3% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on 1989 Tvr 280s models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Steering — 3.3% of failures
Steering issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on 1989 Tvr 280s models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.