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Porsche Boxster 987 (2005-2011) reliability

At a glance

Porsche Boxster 987 built around 2011: fails its MOT less often than average

Porsche Boxster 987 models built around 2011 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Porsche Boxster 987?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

9% of MOT tests on Porsche Boxster 987 models built around 2011 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Porsche Boxster 987 models built around 2011 involves the tyres.

Porsche Boxster 987
excellent reliability2005-2011ConvertiblePETROL

Based on 11,589 tests of Boxster models registered 2005-2011.

About 1 in 25 Boxster 987 MOTs (4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2011 (14 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 792 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.9% and 5.6%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 40 Boxster 987 MOTs (2.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2011 (14 years old).

Based on 792 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 1.5% and 3.7%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

987 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
43213.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7929.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
9109.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
96812.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,51012.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,98314.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,89217.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
2,10216.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 19 years old.

How the Boxster 987 compares

At each age below, see how the Boxster 987 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 4,472 tests across 5 Porsche models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail ratePorsche average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
43213.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7929.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
9109.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
96812.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,51012.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,98314.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,89217.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
2,10216.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Boxster 987.

  1. 1

    Mini (R57)

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.4%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster 987 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,040 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Renault Wind

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    12.1%
    Dangerous
    7.1%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster 987 on these figures.

    1,665 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Mazda MX-5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.8%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.6%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster 987 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,963 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    BMW Z4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    6.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    No clear edge over the Porsche Boxster 987 on these figures.

    2,129 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

98%of all Porsche Boxster cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · More than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

9 recalls in all

1 of the 9 Boxster 987 recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Parking brake may fail

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Boxster 987 cars have aged

How Boxster 987 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%101214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 8.3% (481 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 9.3% (464 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 8.3% (444 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (455 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 8.0% (435 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 9.2% (565 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 8.5% (543 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 7.7% (530 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 9.3% (528 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 9.1% (527 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 9.8% (601 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 9.2% (578 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 9.0% (556 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 9.3% (550 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (566 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (896 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (817 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 11.4% (800 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 12.4% (801 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (793 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (1,189 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (1,162 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (1,134 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (1,088 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (1,095 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (1,395 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (1,316 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (1,268 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (1,267 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (1,234 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (2,367 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (2,272 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (2,243 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (2,138 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (2,102 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008
987 variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Porsche Boxsters of this age

This list covers every Porsche Boxster built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 987 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    11.6%
    Advisory: 150Fail: 8 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    10.0%
    Advisory: 120Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    8.0%
    Advisory: 79Fail: 9 (10% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.7%
    Advisory: 65Fail: 10 (13% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    6.4%
    Advisory: 89Fail: 10 (10% of the times it was found)

Based on 792 tests

Looking at a Porsche Boxster 987?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Porsche Boxster 987 (2005-2011) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 792 14-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 11,589 MOT tests on Porsche Boxsters first registered between 2005-2011. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.