Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1995 TVR Griffith 500?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 1995 TVR Griffith 500?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 1995 TVR Griffith 500?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 1995 TVR Griffith 500 reliable?

Based on MOT data from 129 vehicles, the 1995 TVR Griffith 500 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 84.7%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1995 TVR Griffith 500?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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TVR Griffith 500 (1995)

129 real MOT outcomes analysed • 84.7% first-time pass rate

1995 TVR Griffith 500

CarHunch analysed 129 real MOT records for the 1995 TVR Griffith 500. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 1995 TVR Griffith 500 passes its MOT first time at 84.7%, which is a solid 4.7 points above the UK average, and only 7% have ever recorded a dangerous defect—a reassuringly low figure for a 30-year-old sports car. This is a genuinely reliable cohort for its age, with no structural red flags emerging from the data.

These cars are running at a sensible 45,788 miles median (not thrashed), yet they're still picking up an average of 2.4 failures and 8 advisories per test, suggesting that while they pass, they need consistent maintenance to keep them roadworthy. Before making an offer, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the cooling system and exhaust work—the most common failure points on aging Griffiths—and don't assume a low-mileage example is trouble-free just because it looks pristine.

We have limited data for the 1995 TVR Griffith 500 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 20 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

84.7%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

2.4

Over 14.6 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

46k

Middle half: 34k–60k

For context

These stats describe 129 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 129 TVR Griffith 500 cars.

Before you buy a 1995 TVR Griffith 500

Based on MOT data from 129 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 7% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Mileage Distribution

Most 1995 TVR Griffith 500 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

45,788

typical

33,871

low mileage

60,057

high mileage

Half of all 1995 TVR Griffith 500 vehicles fall between 33,871 and 60,057 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 33,871 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 33,871–60,057 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1995 TVR Griffith 500s sit.

⚠ Over 81,076 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1995 TVR Griffith 500 — Still on the Road

Most 1995 TVR Griffith 500s are still being driven.

Strong survival — 67 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 87% of the peak.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

14.6

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

2.4

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — TVR Griffith 500: All Griffith 500 years → Which year to buy? →

1996 1997 1998 1999

Or browse all models: TVR →

Compare with another model

See how the 1995 TVR Griffith 500 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?