2003 Porsche Boxster 3.2L Petrol · 400 S
2003 Porsche Boxster (3.2L, petrol). First registered 03 Oct 2003. Recorded mileage 71,552 miles. MOT valid until 28 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- PORSCHE BOXSTER
- Year / Origin
- 2003
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 71,552 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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400 S Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/04/2026
- 71,552 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (22 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
400 S MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Porsche Boxster (400 S) between March 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 10 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (22 issues), Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 38 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Brake hose excessively twisted (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits possibly due too exhaust leak (8.2.1.2 (c))”.
400 S Mileage History
- 19/03/202466,759 mi
- 21/03/202466,759 mi
- 18/03/202569,346 mi+2,587 mi
- 30/04/202569,346 mi
- 10/04/202671,552 mi+2,206 mi
Average of roughly 2,328 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
When inspecting this Boxster, prioritize a thorough underside check. The MOT history consistently flags corrosion on the exhaust system, brake pipes, and shock absorbers. You should negotiate based on the potential cost of addressing these recurring structural and mechanical advisories.
Request a detailed service history to see if the 'non-excessive' oil leaks mentioned in multiple MOT tests (2024, 2025, and 2026) have been investigated or if they are indicative of deeper gasket or seal issues. Given the repeated failures regarding suspension arm bushes and ball joint dust covers, ensure that any recent work has been documented with parts and labour receipts.
As a 3.2L petrol sports car, running costs will be higher than a standard hatchback. You should expect significant expenditure on fuel, given the engine size, and insurance groups for this model tend to be higher due to performance and parts costs.
Maintenance costs are likely to be substantial; the MOT history shows frequent needs for suspension components (shocks, bushes, arms), brake components, and exhaust repairs. An estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and proactive maintenance to address the noted corrosion and leaks, would be in the range of £2,500-£3,500.
Focus heavily on the suspension and chassis. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of worn suspension arm pins, bushes, and corroded shock absorbers (noted in 2024, 2025, and 2026). Check the condition of the front and rear shock absorbers for any signs of leaking or casing damage.
Secondly, inspect the exhaust system and brake lines. The records show repeated issues with exhaust corrosion and corroded brake pipes (noted in 2025 and 2026). Finally, examine the engine bay for signs of the oil leaks that have been flagged in every MOT test since at least 2024; while described as 'not excessive,' their persistence is a point of concern.
This 2003 blue 3.2L Porsche Boxster has covered 71,552 miles, which is relatively low for a 23-year-old vehicle. However, the MOT record shows a pattern of recurring advisories and failures, specifically regarding exhaust corrosion, suspension bushes, and non-excessive oil leaks. The vehicle has experienced multiple failures in recent years, most notably in 2024 and 2025, indicating ongoing maintenance requirements.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 86.2% MOT pass rate, with common failures related to windscreens, anti-roll bars, and headlamps.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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