1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Porsche Boxster MOT pass rate and common faults

382 MOT tests in 2024. 74.6% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time74.6%
Failed or needed repairs25.4%
Typical mileage at test95,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 382 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits7.6%
  2. Horn: not working3.4%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.6%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.4%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.8%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.6%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.3%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.3%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics18.6%
  2. Emissions & leaks14.9%
  3. Brakes8.9%
  4. Suspension7.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.7%
  6. Body & chassis2.4%
  7. Tyres1.8%
  8. Steering1.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.0%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.9%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.6%

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: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Boxster years1998 Boxster →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Porsche Boxster?

In 2024, 74.6% of 1997 Porsche Boxster cars passed their MOT first time, across 382 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Porsche Boxster?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; horn: not working; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Porsche Boxster reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).