2002 Porsche Boxster MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 74.1% of Porsche Boxsters first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. Across 6,419 Boxster first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, noise, emissions and leaks and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Porsche Boxsters first used in 2002 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2002 Porsche Boxster MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Boxsters first used in 2002 against all cars first used in 2002 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Boxster figure was 14.6 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2002 Boxster | All cars first used 2002 | Boxster first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 72.6% | 54.4% | 2,368 |
| 2022 | 71.8% | 56.2% | 2,340 |
| 2023 | 72.1% | 57.5% | 2,251 |
| 2024 | 73.9% | 58.0% | 2,092 |
| 2025 | 74.1% | 59.5% | 2,076 |
Common 2002 Porsche Boxster MOT failures
Share of the 1,713 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 18.5% | 317 |
| Position lamp: not working | 10.9% | 187 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 9.8% | 168 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 8.9% | 153 |
| Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 8.3% | 142 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a Boxster in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2002 Porsche Boxster before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Engine and emissions. Worth checking that the engine warning light goes out after starting, looking for oil leaks under the car, and noticing any smoke from the exhaust.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
Common 2002 Porsche Boxster MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2002 Boxsters, as a share of all 6,419 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 18.2% | 1,168 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 14.5% | 928 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 10.4% | 667 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 10.3% | 658 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 8.0% | 513 |
Questions about the 2002 Porsche Boxster MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2002 Porsche Boxster?
In 2025, 74.1% of Boxsters first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2002 Boxster most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 44.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), noise, emissions and leaks (28.2%) and suspension (24.9%). The single most common item was “Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits” (18.5%).
How often does a 2002 Porsche Boxster fail its MOT?
In 2025, 25.9% of first tests on Boxsters first used in 2002 did not pass first time: 21.4% failed, and a further 4.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,713 of 6,419 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2002 Porsche Boxster MOT advisories?
“Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (on 18.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (14.5%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (10.4%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (10.3%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (8.0%).
Is a 2002 Porsche Boxster reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 72.6% in 2021 to 74.1% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2002
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2002 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2002 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2002 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2002 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2002 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2002 Boxster?
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