1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Porsche 911 MOT pass rate and common faults

702 MOT tests in 2024. 87.5% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

133Well above average
Passed first time87.5%
Failed or needed repairs12.5%
Typical mileage at test75,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 702 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rear fog lamp: not working1.4%
  2. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.3%
  3. Washers: not working1.0%
  4. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps0.9%
  5. Position lamp: not working0.9%
  6. Headlamp aim: too low0.7%
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.7%
  8. Stop lamp: not working0.6%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements0.6%
  10. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics12.4%
  2. Suspension3.4%
  3. Brakes3.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks2.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.4%
  6. Tyres0.7%
  7. Body & chassis0.6%
  8. Steering0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.1%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.9%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.6%

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: rear fog lamp: not working. 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 1997 Porsche 911?

In 2024, 87.5% of 1997 Porsche 911 cars passed their MOT first time, across 702 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Porsche 911?

The most common failure reasons were rear fog lamp: not working; linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; washers: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Porsche 911 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).