2004 Porsche 911 3.6L Petrol · T44 UBO

The most recent MOT on 29 May 2026 recorded a pass, but the same day a separate failure was logged for headlamp aim being too low on the nearside, offside and front. Apart from that isolated lighting issue, the test showed no defects, indicating the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions criteria at the time of inspection. Over the previous six years the record reveals a pattern of recurring advisories – notably corrosion of the front and nearside brake pipes, thin front brake pads, wear on the front suspension arms and anti‑roll‑bar linkage, rear disc scoring and a minor rear‑exhaust leak – interspersed with a few failures for lighting and anti‑roll‑bar dust‑cover ingress. The trend is therefore one of gradual deterioration in several wear items rather than an improving maintenance picture, suggesting that while the car remains road‑worthy, a number of components are approaching the end of their service life. At 180,174 mi the car averages roughly 8,200 mi per annum, which is typical for a 2004 model and does not, in itself, raise concerns about excessive mileage. The mileage figure does not indicate any prolonged periods of inactivity, yet the presence of corrosion on brake pipe fittings and the rear‑exhaust leak could be symptomatic of occasional standing or limited use, which can accelerate rust formation on exposed metalwork. The recorded mileage is sufficient to have consumed the original brake pads, rear discs and several suspension bushings, so wear on these items should be expected and inspected accordingly. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the brake system. Examine the front and nearside brake pipes for rust, pitting or greased‑over corrosion and verify that the pipe interiors are clean and free of leaks. Check the thickness of the front pads and the condition of the rear discs for scoring, pitting or excessive rust that could compromise braking efficiency. During a test drive, feel for any pedal sponginess, pulsation, or unusual noises when applying the brakes, and listen for metallic clunks that may indicate worn suspension arm bushes or a deteriorating anti‑roll‑bar linkage. Inspect the rear‑exhaust outlet for soot or a faint hissing that would confirm the previously noted minor leak, and confirm that the headlamp aim has been corrected, as low aim can reduce night‑time visibility and may be indicative of misaligned headlamp units or chassis flex. Given the car’s age, independent of the MOT notes, the buyer should also verify the condition of age‑sensitive components. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that often accompanies long‑term storage or calendar ageing, and ensure the tread depth meets legal limits. Test the 12‑volt battery voltage and load, as batteries over two decades old frequently lose capacity. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – coolant, engine oil, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour change, particulate contamination or low levels, and consider a full fluid change if the service history is incomplete. Finally, look for corrosion on the chassis, underbody and suspension mounting points, and confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and timing‑belt or chain service entries appropriate for a high‑performance 911 drivetrain. Addressing these items will give a clearer picture of the car’s current mechanical health and the likely cost of bringing it up to a reliable, long‑term standard.