Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1997 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 TVR Griffith 500 reliable?

Based on MOT data from 138 vehicles, the 1997 TVR Griffith 500 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 85.9%, 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 1997 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 (1997)

138 real MOT outcomes analysed • 85.9% first-time pass rate

1997 TVR Griffith 500

CarHunch analysed 138 real MOT records for the 1997 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 1997 TVR Griffith 500 passes its MOT first time at 85.9%, which is a solid 5.9 percentage points above the UK average of 80%, suggesting these cars are generally well-maintained by their owners. The dangerous defect rate of 13.0% is reasonable and not a major concern, though it's worth factoring in when budgeting for potential remedial work.

These Griffiths average just 40,180 miles, which is genuinely low for a 27-year-old car and indicates many are cherished weekend drivers rather than daily workhorses. With 2.23 failures and 7.3 advisories per vehicle at test, expect routine wear items and minor niggles, so have a pre-purchase inspection focus on fluid leaks, exhaust condition, and suspension wear before committing.

We have limited data for the 1997 TVR Griffith 500 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 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

85.9%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

13%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

2.23

Over 15.4 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

39k

Middle half: 29k–48k

For context

These stats describe 138 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.

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See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 138 TVR Griffith 500 cars.

Before you buy a 1997 TVR Griffith 500

Based on MOT data from 138 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 13% 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 1997 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.

39,205

typical

28,817

low mileage

47,597

high mileage

Half of all 1997 TVR Griffith 500 vehicles fall between 28,817 and 47,597 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 28,817 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.

✓ 28,817–47,597 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1997 TVR Griffith 500s sit.

⚠ Over 64,255 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1997 TVR Griffith 500 — Still on the Road

Most 1997 TVR Griffith 500s are still being driven.

72 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 78% of the peak remain.

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

15.4

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

2.23

Avg failures per vehicle

7.3

Avg advisories per vehicle

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

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