TVR S2 (1989)
1989 TVR S2
CarHunch analysed 102 real MOT records for the 1989 TVR S2. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1989 TVR S2 passes its MOT at 76.9%, slightly below the UK average of 80%, and nearly one in five cars (19.6%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a genuine concern for buyers seeking a safe, reliable classic. Petrol-only variants mean no fuel-type comparison, but the pattern suggests aging electrics, cooling systems, and structural corrosion are catching up with these hand-built sports cars.
At 65,000 miles median, these S2s have covered modest distance for their age, yet they're racking up nearly 3 failures and 7.5 advisories per MOT on average—pointing to deferred maintenance and wear items that need active management rather than a neglected-classic scenario. If you're serious about one, budget for specialist servicing, expect annual MOT surprises, and insist on a pre-purchase inspection by someone who knows TVR's quirks.
What to check before buying a 1989 TVR S2
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a TVR S2
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1989 TVR S2 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1989 TVR S2 vehicles fall between 49,253 and 73,819 miles.
1989 TVR S2 — Still on the Road
37 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 77% 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.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1989 TVR S2
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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35.9%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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32.6%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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31.5%
Oil leak
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26.1%
Offside Rear fog lamp not working
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25.5%
Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel
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20.1%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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19.6%
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
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17.4%
Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A'
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1989. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific TVR S2?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.