PORSCHE BOXSTER (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,493 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
2,493
Avg Mileage
94,009 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the PORSCHE brand average of 92%.
At 26 years old, 78% of PORSCHE BOXSTERs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,493 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 94,009 miles.
How does the 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER has 94,009 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a PORSCHE BOXSTER?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 78%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific PORSCHE BOXSTER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER
The 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER is a luxury with a 2480cc petrol engine. 2,493 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 94,009 miles at 26 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.
1998 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 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER
At 26 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.
Alternatives to the 1998 PORSCHE BOXSTER
The PORSCHE BOXSTER is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol luxurys from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-11%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1998) 77% pass rate (-1%) from 8,057 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (same) from 7,815 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2000) 67% pass rate (-11%) from 4,627 tests