1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Tvr Chimaera MOT pass rate and common faults

415 MOT tests in 2024. 84.3% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

133Well above average
Passed first time84.3%
Failed or needed repairs15.7%
Typical mileage at test55,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 415 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.7%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.2%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.2%
  4. Headlamp aim: too high1.2%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.2%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.0%
  7. Rear fog lamp: not working1.0%
  8. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.0%
  9. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.0%
  10. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics8.9%
  2. Emissions & leaks8.0%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.1%
  4. Brakes2.9%
  5. Body & chassis2.2%
  6. Steering1.2%
  7. Seat belts & airbags1.0%
  8. Suspension1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.6%
  2. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened2.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.4%
  5. Transmission oil leaks: leaking excessively from transmission1.9%

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 at 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 1999 Tvr Chimaera?

In 2024, 84.3% of 1999 Tvr Chimaera cars passed their MOT first time, across 415 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Tvr Chimaera?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Tvr Chimaera reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 133, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).