2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Porsche Boxster MOT pass rate and common faults

2,047 MOT tests in 2024. 75.0% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

133Well above average
Passed first time75.0%
Failed or needed repairs25.0%
Typical mileage at test76,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,047 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits6.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.7%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.3%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.9%
  5. Position lamp: not working1.8%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.8%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.5%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.4%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
    44 marked dangerous
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics13.9%
  2. Emissions & leaks11.7%
  3. Brakes9.1%
  4. Suspension4.7%
  5. Tyres3.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.5%
  7. Body & chassis3.1%
  8. Steering1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.3%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine5.3%

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 2004 Porsche Boxster?

In 2024, 75.0% of 2004 Porsche Boxster cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,047 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Porsche Boxster?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Porsche Boxster reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 133, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).