2002 TVR Chimaera 4.0L Petrol · Q179 NAV
2002 TVR Chimaera (4.0L, petrol). First registered 01/11/2002. Recorded mileage 62,879 miles. MOT valid until 25/03/2027. Taxed until 01/10/2026.
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 2002
- Engine
- 4000cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Q179 NAV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/03/2026
- 62,879 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
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Q179 NAV Mileage History
- 11/03/202462,372 mi
- 13/03/202462,372 mi
- 14/03/202562,668 mi+296 mi
- 18/03/202562,684 mi+16 mi
- 26/03/202662,879 mi+195 mi
Average of roughly 249 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Q179 NAV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 Tvr Chimaera (Q179 NAV) between March 2024 and March 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 26 March 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))”; “Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))”; “Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2002 TVR Chimaera shows recurring mechanical issues in its MOT history, making it a risky purchase for buyers seeking reliability. While the recent MOT passed, the frequency of failures suggests potential hidden costs.
Prioritise a thorough mechanical inspection to assess the oil leak (8.4.1 (a) (i)) and suspension arm ball joint issues (5.3.4 (a) (i)). Verify if repairs were completed and check for consistent service records. Negotiate the price to account for potential restoration costs. Be wary of the model's rarity, which may limit parts availability and increase repair expenses.
The 4.0L petrol engine likely delivers poor fuel economy, with estimated 20-25 mpg. As a 2002 model, it falls into a high UK road tax band (£270/year for 2026). Insurance groups for sports cars are typically high (likely 50-60), costing £1,000+ annually. Maintenance costs could exceed £500/year for specialist servicing, with parts likely to be expensive due to the model's obscurity.
Focus on the oil leak (check for signs of seepage under the car) and the suspension arm ball joint (inspect for excessive play). Test headlamp alignment to ensure it meets standards, and verify the tyres (check for cuts/uneven wear). Examine the windscreen washer system for functionality. Given the 2024 MOT failure, confirm the tyre and washer repairs were completed.
The TVR Chimaera has a mixed MOT record with repeated minor issues like oil leaks and suspension play. At 62,879 miles, the mileage is high for a 24-year-old vehicle, though the car has passed its last two MOTs. As a rare, high-performance sports car, it offers unique appeal but carries significant maintenance risks.
No aggregate data available for TVR Chimaera, but its rarity and age suggest potential challenges with parts availability and specialist maintenance.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns