2004 Porsche 911 3.8L Petrol · F6 STP

A clean, unbroken run of seven consecutive passes from 2019 through March 2026 establishes this 2004 Porsche 911 as a vehicle with a consistently strong DVSA roadworthiness record, with the most recent test on 11 March 2026 returning no defects recorded. Across all seven documented examinations there are no failures, no refusals, and only two advisories logged in the entire history, both of which appeared together at the same 2019 test and were minor in nature. The absence of recurring advisory patterns is notable on a 22 year old vehicle of this complexity, particularly given that corrosion, suspension wear, and exhaust deterioration are common flag items on cars of this vintage. The flat trend line of clean passes from 2020 onward suggests that the structural and mechanical items typically monitored by the MOT tester have remained within tolerance year on year. At 76,449 miles over approximately 22 years, this car has averaged around 3,475 miles annually, which is substantially below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. Such a low annual accumulation can indicate either genuine light use with regular exercise, or extended periods of stationary storage followed by intermittent short journeys. Either profile carries specific mechanical implications worth weighing. Light use tends to preserve major drivetrain components but can accelerate degradation of seals, brake calipers, and rubber elements through lack of regular heat cycling, while periods of standing can promote moisture accumulation in brake fluid, corrosion in the braking and fuel systems, and deterioration of flexible components. The fact that testing has remained consistent on an annual basis throughout the recorded period suggests the car has not been off the road for any prolonged lay-up, though any prospective purchase should still warrant checks for the typical symptoms of under use. From a buyer perspective, the only specific components flagged in the recorded history are the nearside front tyre, which carried a nail in 2019 and would need visual confirmation has been resolved, and the undertrays, whose fitted condition prevented full visual inspection of the underside at that test. Because the undertrays were in place during the 2019 examination, a physical inspection with the trays removed is essential to verify the condition of the rear subframe mounting points, suspension arms, and anti roll bar links, all of which are known corrosion and wear items on 996 generation 911s. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking from the front or rear suspension over uneven surfaces, as worn drop links, trailing arms, or top mount bearings often reveal themselves through audible impact noise rather than through visible tyre wear. Steering should remain precise and free of vagueness, and any pulling to one side under braking or acceleration would warrant immediate investigation of the suspension geometry. The braking system deserves particular attention given the low mileage profile. Bind or uneven wear on any of the four discs can indicate seized caliper slides or pistons, a common issue on cars that have seen limited use. On the road, the pedal should feel firm with no sponginess, and the car should pull up in a straight line without vibration through the pedal. Given that the engine is the flat six unit characteristic of this model, a careful inspection for oil leaks around the cam chain covers, intermediate shaft seal, and rear main seal is advisable, as these are documented failure points irrespective of MOT coverage. Finally, verify that all electrical systems, including the convertible roof mechanism if this is a Cabriolet variant, operate smoothly, and confirm that the cooling fans engage promptly, as low annual mileage combined with the age of the vehicle makes cooling system efficiency and ancillary component function particularly worth confirming before committing to purchase.