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MG RV8 Classic (HH) (1992-1995) reliability

Not enough data

MG RV8 Classic (HH) built before 2000: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of MG RV8 Classic (HH) models built before 2000 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at an MG RV8 Classic (HH) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

1992-1995ConvertiblePETROL

Based on 489 tests of RV8 models registered 1992-1995.

Classic (HH) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
4899.8%

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.

How the RV8 Classic (HH) compares

At each age below, see how the RV8 Classic (HH) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 10,563 tests across 9 MG models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMG average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
4899.8%

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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can 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.

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the RV8 Classic (HH).

  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 Classic (HH) 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 Classic (HH) 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 Classic (HH) 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 Classic (HH) 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.

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.

What has gone wrong on RV8 Classic (HH) cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 60 cars.

Structural systems

Steering
25%
Emissions
15%
Suspension
8%
Bodywork
2%

Wear items

Brakes
45%
Lighting
38%
Tyres
8%
Classic (HH) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on MG RV8 models of this age

This list covers every MG RV8 built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Classic (HH) on its own.

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 tests

Looking at an MG RV8 Classic (HH) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the MG RV8 Classic (HH) (1992-1995) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 489 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 489 MOT tests on MG RV8 models first registered between 1992-1995. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.