2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Porsche Boxster MOT pass rate and common faults

1,070 MOT tests in 2024. 85.0% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

149Well above average
Passed first time85.0%
Failed or needed repairs14.9%
Typical mileage at test62,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,070 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.7%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.3%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%
    17 marked dangerous
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
    22 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.9%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.8%
  9. Stop lamp: not working0.7%
  10. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics6.2%
  2. Tyres4.7%
  3. Brakes3.3%
  4. Emissions & leaks3.0%
  5. Suspension2.6%
  6. Body & chassis0.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)0.9%
  8. Steering0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.3%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)6.7%

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.

← 2007 BoxsterAll Boxster years2009 Boxster →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Porsche Boxster?

In 2024, 85.0% of 2008 Porsche Boxster cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,070 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Porsche Boxster?

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

Is the 2008 Porsche Boxster reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 149, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).