How much does a 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER?

The 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER has a 83% MOT pass rate based on 1,352 tests in 2026. This ranks 66 out of 320 cars from 1997.

Which year PORSCHE BOXSTER is most reliable?

The 2020 PORSCHE BOXSTER has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%. The least reliable year is 1998 at 78%.

PORSCHE BOXSTER (1997)

Q: Is the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of PORSCHE BOXSTERs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,352 tests. That's 1 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER?

The average mileage for a 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER is 93,558 miles, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,352 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2480cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2480cc29 years old1,352 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2480cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2480cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the PORSCHE brand average of 92%.

At 29 years old, 83% of PORSCHE BOXSTERs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,352 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,558 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 cars66th of 320(top 21%)

Rank among PORSCHE models252th of 276(top 91%)

vs national average+1%(82% avg)

vs 1997 cars average+8%(75% avg)

vs PORSCHE average-9%(92% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,558

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER has 93,558 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 78%. The 1997 sits between the two at 83%.

PORSCHE BOXSTER by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	98%	727	12,725 mi
2020	98%	1,370	17,722 mi
2019	97%	2,672	21,404 mi
2018	96%	3,007	26,673 mi
2017	96%	2,767	31,373 mi
2016	95%	3,210	32,910 mi
2015	97%	2,716	32,812 mi
2014	94%	2,726	42,302 mi
2013	94%	3,111	45,989 mi
2012	94%	2,582	49,604 mi
2011	92%	1,483	50,786 mi
2010	93%	1,750	54,631 mi
2009	94%	1,731	61,617 mi
2008	92%	2,287	64,082 mi
2007	89%	3,485	72,004 mi
2006	88%	4,150	78,168 mi
2005	86%	6,992	78,175 mi
2004	83%	4,066	80,783 mi
2003	82%	5,008	83,796 mi
2002	82%	4,350	87,053 mi
2001	83%	4,134	86,615 mi
2000	82%	3,688	89,426 mi
1999	81%	3,058	94,996 mi
1998	78%	2,493	94,009 mi
1997	83%	1,352	93,558 mi
1996	77%	43	110,547 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

1996 · 2490cc Petrol

£2,597/year

67%

-16%

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,397/year

77%

-6%

BMW 3 SERIES

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-5%

MERCEDES SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,397/year

79%

-4%

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About the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER

The 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER is a luxury with a 2480cc petrol engine. 1,352 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1997 cars for reliability.

With an average of 93,558 miles at 29 years old, PORSCHE BOXSTER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER Fuel Costs

The 2480cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

PORSCHE BOXSTER Reliability Trend

Newer PORSCHE BOXSTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER

At 29 years old, the PORSCHE BOXSTER is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 94k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1997 PORSCHE BOXSTER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
PORSCHE BOXSTER(1997)	83%	£1592	£430	Grp 25-38	£2427
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996)	67%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2597+£170
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397-£30
BMW 3 SERIES(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£30
MERCEDES SLK(1999)	79%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£30

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.