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MG RV8 reliability by build year

Coverage 1992-19951 named generationConvertiblePETROL

We've only got 603 MOT tests for MG RV8 models built before 2000 (over 25 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

MG RV8 built before 2000: fails its MOT less often than average

MG RV8 models built before 2000 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check an MG RV8 by number plate

Key figure

9% of MOT tests on MG RV8 models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on MG RV8 models built before 2000 involves fluid leaks.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The MG RV8's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Brakes

Worth checking

Inspect the brakes carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your RV8's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

C

Classic (HH) (1992-1995)

Excellent
PETROL

9.4% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Likely between 7.4% and 12.1%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 603 MOT tests at this ageView details →

By age

MG RV8 fail rate by age

This chart combines every MG RV8 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
6039.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 25+ year old MG RV8 models

These issues come from 25+ year old MG RV8 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    16.6%
    Advisory: 113Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    2.3%
    Advisory: 30Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Minor

    One of the number plate lights not working

    2.3%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake binding slightly

    2.0%
    Advisory: 15Fail: 4 (21% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    1.8%
    Advisory: 16Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 603 MOT tests on 25+ year old MG RV8 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 25+ year old MG RV8 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Fuel & oil + Steering26%
  2. Brakes + Fuel & oil16%
  3. Fuel & oil + Other13%
  4. Fuel & oil + Windscreen & wipers12%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 111 MOT tests on MG RV8 cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the MG RV8.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the MG RV8 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles to compare

  1. 1

    Mercedes-Benz SL

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.5%

    No clear edge over the MG RV8 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    5,842 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Mazda MX-5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.6%

    No clear edge over the MG RV8 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    16,460 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Alfa Romeo Spider

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.8%

    No clear edge over the MG RV8 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,562 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Lotus Elise

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.8%

    No clear edge over the MG RV8 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,026 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the MG RV8 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 603 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every MG RV8 ever sold: 603 tests. The main figures are for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old): 603 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.