2004 Porsche 911 3.8L Petrol · LK54 HAU

A clean roadworthiness profile characterises this Porsche 911 across eight recorded DVSA tests spanning 2020 to 2026, with the most recent examination on 22 June 2026 producing a pass alongside only two minor advisories relating to slight perishing on both front tyres. Seven of the eight tests returned a straightforward pass with no defects recorded, demonstrating consistent compliance with statutory safety and emissions standards. The single failure occurred on 21 June 2021 when a major exhaust leak at the rear and consequential inability to complete emissions testing were identified; a retest two days later on 23 June 2021 cleared the vehicle with no advisories, indicating that the exhaust defect was rectified promptly rather than representing a chronic structural concern. Overall, the trajectory is one of stable, largely untroubled roadworthiness, with the tyre advisory emerging only at the latest test as an age-related cosmetic observation rather than a developing mechanical pattern. Annual mileage accumulation sits at roughly 4,190 miles per year against a 22-year vehicle age, placing this 911 firmly in low-use territory. MOT coverage runs consecutively from June 2020 through June 2026 without significant gaps, and the testing cadence aligns with the typical June-to-June pattern expected for a vehicle first registered mid-2004. Such restrained usage over two decades is consistent with a second car, weekend use, or seasonal driving, and mechanically it tends to preserve engine and drivetrain internals while placing particular stress on items that degrade through standing rather than wear. Seals, gaskets, flexible hoses, and rubber components can harden or perish without regular thermal cycling, and brake discs and calipers can develop surface corrosion from infrequent operation even though pad material remains largely unworn. For a prospective buyer, the front tyre perishing noted at the latest test warrants immediate attention as a priority replacement item, since aged sidewalls on a high-performance rear-engined car of this vintage deserve careful scrutiny for both cracking depth and any evidence of sidewall bulge or carcass flex on inspection. The 2021 rear exhaust failure should be explored directly, asking which section was replaced and whether the rear silencer, mounting rubbers, or heat shield were addressed, since exhaust components on early-2000s 911s are prone to corrosion at mounting points and flex joint deterioration. On a test drive, listen specifically for any exhaust drone, ticking under load, or smell of exhaust gas entering the cabin via the rear-mounted heat exchangers, and check that the rear box is securely mounted with intact rubbers. Given the low annual mileage, particular attention should be paid to brake feel: expect to feel a slightly rough or grabbing sensation initially as surface corrosion is scraped from the discs during the first firm applications, and listen for any binding or sticking from the rear calipers that may have seized through disuse, a recognised concern on 996-generation 911s. Beyond the recorded items, a low-mileage flat-six demands thorough checks for oil leaks from the rear main seal, intermediate shaft seal, and cam chain tensioner housing, all common failure points on this era of 911, and any signs of oil weeping around the sump or cooler lines should be examined on cold and hot running. The IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing is a known concern on early 996 models up to approximately 2005 production, and although it cannot be confirmed from MOT data alone, its replacement status and evidence of recent engine-out work should be established through documentation. Suspension condition should be assessed by feel, listening for clonking or knocking from the front strut top mounts, anti-roll bar drop links, and rear trailing arms over uneven surfaces, as perished bushes on a lightly used car can manifest as vague, noisy handling rather than obvious wear. Finally, confirm that the battery is recent and fully charged, given the long standing periods implied by the mileage profile, as flat batteries on 996 variants can trigger electrical gremlins that mask other diagnostic issues.