1998 Porsche 911 3.4L Petrol · R473 BLK
1998 Porsche 911 (3.4L, petrol). First registered 05/02/1998. Recorded mileage 133,019 miles. MOT valid until 16/12/2026. Taxed until 01/12/2026.
- Make & Model
- PORSCHE 911
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16/12/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/12/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 133,019 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 3400cc
R473 BLK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/12/2025
- 133,019 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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R473 BLK Mileage History
- 16/08/2022127,608 mi
- 29/08/2023128,990 mi+1,382 mi
- 02/09/2024132,320 mi+3,330 mi
- 11/12/2025133,012 mi+692 mi
- 17/12/2025133,019 mi+7 mi
Average of roughly 1,621 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
R473 BLK 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 1998 Porsche 911 (R473 BLK) between August 2022 and December 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 17 December 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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 Front Upper Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))”; “Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Caution is advised; while the 911 is a classic classic, the recent major MOT failure and recurring issues with suspension and oil leaks suggest a vehicle that may require immediate investment to reach peak-condition standards.
When inspecting this 996-generation 911, focus heavily on the suspension. The 2025 MOT highlighted play in the anti-roll bar ball joints and worn dust covers; ensure these have been replaced and not just adjusted. Pay close attention to the oil leak mentioned in the latest advisory; while noted as 'not excessive', on these high-performance engines, a small leak can quickly become an expensive gasket failure if left ignored.
Verify the service history meticulously. Given the mileage is over 130k miles, you want to see evidence that timing chain tensioners and major service intervals have been addressed. Ask the owner for receipts regarding the repairs made after the December 2025 failure—specifically for the exhaust system, lambda sensor, and headlamps—to ensure the work was actually completed rather than just patched for the test.
Running a 3.4-litre Porsche 911-cooled flat-six is inherently expensive. You should expect modest fuel economy, likely between 18-22 mpg depending on driving style. Tax is high due to the engine displacement, and insurance groups typically fall in the higher brackets, reflecting the model's status.
Maintenance costs are significantly higher than a standard hatchback. Parts for the 911 are premium-priced specialist items. Expect annual costs, including fuel, insurance, and routine maintenance, to fall between £3,500 and £5,500 depending on your usage level.
Inspect the underside for the source of the oil leak noted in the MOT history; check around the valve covers and oil sump. Examine the exhaust system closely; the records show a history of corrosion and minor leaks leading to a major failure in 2025, suggesting the entire system may need replacing soon rather than just one section.
Check the electrical system thoroughly. This vehicle has a history of headlamp failures, indicator issues, and wiper faults. Test every bulb and switch to ensure the wiring looms and modules are healthy, as these can be temperamental. Additionally, check the tyres for structural damage, as the previous owner failed a test due to tears in both rear tyres.
This 1998 Porsche 911 sits at 133,019 miles, which is slightly above the average for its 28-year age. While it passed its most recent MOT, the previous test in late 2025 revealed significant safety failures, including dangerous tyre tears, exhaust leaks, and electrical lighting faults. The history shows a recurring pattern of oil leaks and minor suspension wear, suggesting a car that has been maintained with a reactive rather than strictly proactive approach.
The 996-generation 911 is generally reliable but is known for oil leaks and potential IMS bearing issues if not meticulously maintained.
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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