Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1988 TVR Tasmin?

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 1988 TVR Tasmin?

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 1988 TVR Tasmin?

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.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1988 TVR Tasmin?

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 Tasmin (1988)

105 real MOT outcomes analysed • 63.8% first-time pass rate

1988 TVR Tasmin

CarHunch analysed 105 real MOT records for the 1988 TVR Tasmin. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 16.2% below UK average

63.8%

pass MOT first time

UK average: ~80%

54,218

typical mileage

40,099–69,511 middle half

18.1%

ever had a dangerous defect

recorded at any MOT

2.04

avg MOT failures per car

over 10.4 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1988 TVR Tasmin

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 Tasmin

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection

Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying →

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Mileage Distribution

Most 1988 TVR Tasmin 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.

40,099

low mileage

54,218

typical

69,511

high mileage

Half of all 1988 TVR Tasmin vehicles fall between 40,099 and 69,511 miles.

1988 TVR Tasmin — Still on the Road

33 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 73% 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

10.4

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

2.04

Avg failures per vehicle

7.9

Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1988 TVR Tasmin

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

38.4%

Oil leak
37.1%

Oil leak, but not excessive
36.4%

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
31.8%

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
25.2%

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
21.9%

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
19.9%

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play
17.9%

Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1988. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific TVR Tasmin?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

Other model years — TVR Tasmin:

1989