2002 Porsche Boxster 2.7L Petrol · RF02 XMM

The most recent DVSA examination on 1 October 2025 returned a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator of roadworthiness. Looking across the recent history, the pattern is broadly stable, with the previous test in September 2024 carrying the only meaningful cluster of advisories in the entire recorded sequence, while the 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019 and 2018 examinations all passed without any items noted. The advisory cluster from 2024 relating to both rear tyres wearing close to the legal limit and an oil leak classed as not excessive is the only slight blemish in what is otherwise a very tidy MOT record. This suggests the vehicle has generally been well maintained to test standard, although the recurring nature of the rear tyre edge wear observation from 2021 warrants closer attention during physical inspection. At 111,523 miles over approximately 24 years, the recorded annual usage equates to roughly 4,647 miles per year, which is genuinely low for a car of this age and points toward a vehicle that has either seen light use, considerable periods of storage, or a combination of both. Such low cumulative mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain and engine components but, conversely, increases the likelihood of age-related degradation in items that deteriorate with calendar time rather than use. Where significant standing periods are involved, particular consideration should be given to corrosion of brake components, possible seizing of caliper slide pins, hardening or cracking of rubber and polymer components, and potential moisture ingress within the braking and fuel systems. From a physical inspection perspective, despite the clean current MOT, prospective buyers should conduct a thorough age-appropriate survey. Tyre sidewalls should be examined carefully for perishing, cracking and UV degradation, as tyres older than roughly seven years from their DOT date stamp can fail suddenly even if the tread depth remains legal; the rear axle geometry should also be evaluated in light of the recurring edge wear advisories from 2021 and 2024, which can indicate alignment drift, worn rear suspension bushes, or weakened coil springs typical of this platform. Brake discs should be inspected for severe standing corrosion or lipping, calipers should be checked for binding pistons that may cause uneven pad wear or pulling under braking, and a thorough under-bonnet and underfloor examination should be carried out for any residual signs of the oil leak flagged in 2024, paying particular attention to the sump, cam cover gaskets and rear main seal area which are known sources on this model. Finally, time-based servicing items that do not appear on an MOT but are critical on a low-mileage, ageing vehicle include the 12 volt battery, which typically requires replacement every five to six years and should be load tested, alongside the brake fluid, coolant and gearbox oil, all of which degrade chemically irrespective of mileage and are commonly overlooked on sparingly used cars. The convertible hood mechanism, fabric condition and rear screen seals deserve close scrutiny given the car's age, and the IMS bearing and clutch operation, historically a known concern on early Boxsters, should be specifically investigated by an informed technician prior to purchase. A pre-purchase inspection by a Porsche specialist rather than a generalist garage would be strongly advisable to verify the structural and mechanical integrity of what is otherwise a well-presented, lightly used example with a reassuringly consistent MOT history.