1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Porsche Boxster MOT pass rate and common faults

1,024 MOT tests in 2024. 72.5% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

115Well above average
Passed first time72.5%
Failed or needed repairs27.5%
Typical mileage at test92,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,024 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits6.5%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.1%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.2%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    43 marked dangerous
  6. Horn: not working1.7%
  7. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.6%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.5%
  10. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.4%
  2. Emissions & leaks14.6%
  3. Brakes10.2%
  4. Suspension6.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  6. Tyres4.0%
  7. Body & chassis3.6%
  8. Steering1.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.2%
  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 1999 Porsche Boxster?

In 2024, 72.5% of 1999 Porsche Boxster cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,024 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Porsche Boxster?

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

Is the 1999 Porsche Boxster reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 115, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).