1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Tvr Chimaera MOT pass rate and common faults

381 MOT tests in 2024. 88.2% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

135Well above average
Passed first time88.2%
Failed or needed repairs11.8%
Typical mileage at test55,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 381 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.8%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.6%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.6%
  4. Position lamp: not working1.6%
  5. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.3%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.3%
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): missing in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.3%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.0%
  9. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits0.8%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics9.4%
  2. Emissions & leaks8.7%
  3. Brakes4.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.9%
  5. Suspension1.3%
  6. Body & chassis1.0%
  7. Steering1.0%
  8. Tyres1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened2.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Tvr Chimaera?

In 2024, 88.2% of 1997 Tvr Chimaera cars passed their MOT first time, across 381 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Tvr Chimaera?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Tvr Chimaera reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 135, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).