2002 Porsche Boxster 3.2L Petrol · VU51 BCV
2002 Porsche Boxster (3.2L, petrol). First registered 07 Jan 2002. Recorded mileage 69,072 miles. MOT valid until 05 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- PORSCHE BOXSTER
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05 May 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 69,072 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
VU51 BCV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/04/2026
- 69,072 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VU51 BCV 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 2002 Porsche Boxster (VU51 BCV) between May 2022 and April 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 10 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 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.
VU51 BCV Mileage History
- 07/05/202263,474 mi
- 05/05/202365,011 mi+1,537 mi
- 03/05/202466,536 mi+1,525 mi
- 30/04/202567,683 mi+1,147 mi
- 17/04/202669,072 mi+1,389 mi
Average of roughly 1,419 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. This 2002 Porsche
Given that brake disc corrosion has been flagged at every MOT since at least 2022, this is the first area to negotiate on. A full brake disc and pad replacement on a Boxster 3.2 typically runs £600 to £900 per axle at an independent specialist, so use this as a bargaining point or budget to have it done immediately. The deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover noted in 2026 is a smaller item but worth inspecting — a perished boot allows water and grit in, accelerating joint wear, and replacement bushes are inexpensive but labour-intensive on the Boxster.
Ask to see any service invoices. A 3.2-litre Boxster (the 'flat-six' variant) should have had its IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing retrofitted or inspected by now — this is a known concern on early 2000s Boxsters, and while MOT records cannot confirm this has been done, any paperwork showing the work is invaluable. Check the roof mechanism thoroughly: the manual fabric roof and its seals are a common weakness, and water ingress can rot the rear clamshell. Finally, verify thevenance through HPI and ensure all the keys, books and tool kit are present — a missing tool kit on a Porsche is a tell-tale sign of cost-cutting ownership.
Fuel economy for the 3.2-litre Boxster is realistically in the mid-20s mpg in mixed use, dropping into the high teens if driven enthusiastically. Insurance sits in group 40 or above for most drivers, which is substantial — get a quote before viewing. Road tax for a pre-2006 petrol of this capacity is the standard £345 per year, with no premium surcharge due to its age.
Servicing should be done every two years or 20,000 miles at a specialist rather than a main dealer, with an annual oil service in between. A minor service is around £300 to £450, while a major service including spark plugs and brake fluid can reach £700 to £1,000. Tyres are a meaningful cost — the rear 265-section tyres on the 3.2 are not cheap, and you'll typically pay £400 to £600 for a set of quality rubber. Factor in £1,000 to £1,500 annually for general maintenance on top of fuel and insurance, and higher in any year brakes or suspension work is needed.
Start with the brake discs physically — although MOT records show pitting and corrosion has been noted every year since 2022, you need to feel whether juddering is present through the pedal or steering. Lift the front wheels and check for lip on the disc edge and any blueing from overheating. The 2026 advisory on the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover means you should grab the front bar and attempt to rock it — any play suggests the link itself is worn and needs replacing soon.
Inspect the fabric roof for rips, staining, and — crucially — whether it opens and closes smoothly. Check the rear window for clouding or delamination. Look inside the boot (both front and rear) for any signs of water staining, which would indicate the roof seals or the rear clamshell drain channels are compromised. On the engine, look underneath for oil residue consistent with the 2023 'oil leak, but not excessive' advisory — a small weep from the sump gasket is normal at this age, but a wet block or cam chain covers are more serious. Finally, check the exhaust manifold studs and the coolant expansion tank, both known weak points on this era of Boxster, and inspect the undertray for signs of accident damage or poor previous repair.
The VU51BCV is a 24-year-old Porsche Boxster 3.2 with 69,072 miles on the clock, averaging roughly 2,200 miles per year over the MOT period — close to the model average of 2,299. All five recorded MOT tests were passes, which is positive, but every single test since 2022 has flagged brake disc corrosion or wear, and the most recent test noted a deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover. The mileage is consistent with a car that has seen relatively light, mixed use rather than regular spirited driving, but the brake pattern suggests items have been carried forward year after year.
Across 37,831 Porsche Boxsters analysed, the model posts an 86.2% MOT pass rate, with windscreen wipers, anti-roll bar components and headlamps being the most common failure points — the anti-roll bar advisory on this car is therefore consistent with known model behaviour. Overall reliability is reasonable for a sports car of this age, though the specific 3.2-litre variant is generally regarded as the most robust of the 986-generation Boxsters.
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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