1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Porsche Boxster MOT pass rate and common faults

729 MOT tests in 2024. 70.0% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

108Above average
Passed first time70.0%
Failed or needed repairs30.0%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 729 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits6.2%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.0%
  3. Horn: not working2.9%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.7%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.9%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.9%
  7. Position lamp: not working1.9%
  8. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.6%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  10. Washers: not working1.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics22.6%
  2. Emissions & leaks14.8%
  3. Brakes12.6%
  4. Suspension9.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  6. Body & chassis4.3%
  7. Tyres3.6%
  8. Steering2.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.2%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.2%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Porsche Boxster?

In 2024, 70.0% of 1998 Porsche Boxster cars passed their MOT first time, across 729 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Porsche Boxster?

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

Is the 1998 Porsche Boxster reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 108, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).