Porsche Boxster (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,066 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3179cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3179cc22 years old4,066 tests81k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3179cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Porsche brand average of 92%.

83% of MOT tests on Porsche Boxsters from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 4,066 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 80,783 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models81st of 470(top 18%)

Rank among Porsche models246th of 272(bottom 10%)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+11%(72% avg)

vs Porsche average-9%(92% avg)

Mileage Analysis

80,783

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Porsche Boxster had 80,783 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2004 scores 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Land Rover Freelander

2006 · 3192cc Petrol

£3,303/year

70%

-13%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-5%

BMW X3

2006 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

-5%

Jaguar X-Type

2006 · 2967cc Petrol

£2,958/year

70%

-13%

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About the 2004 Porsche Boxster

The 2004 Porsche Boxster is a luxury car. Our records list a 3179cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,066 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 80,783 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Porsche Boxster owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 Porsche Boxster Fuel Costs

The 3179cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 Porsche Boxster?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Porsche Boxster

At 22 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 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 81k 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 2004 Porsche Boxster stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Porsche Boxster(2004)	83%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Land Rover Freelander(2006)	70%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
BMW X3(2006)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£195
Jaguar X-Type(2006)	70%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£195

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2004 Porsche Boxster

Is the 2004 Porsche Boxster reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 2004 Porsche Boxsters ended in a pass, from 4,066 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Porsche Boxster cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Porsche Boxster?

83% of 4,066 MOT tests on the 2004 Porsche Boxster ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 81st of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top 18%).

Which year Porsche Boxster has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Porsche Boxster has the highest MOT pass rate at 98% and the 1998 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Porsche Boxster?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Porsche Boxster is 80,783 miles, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.