Used car guide

2008 Porsche Boxster: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Porsche Boxsters, from 1,049 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,049MOT tests in 2025
86%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
3,700typical miles a year
1.9×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Porsche Boxsters than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Steering rack inner joints1.9× usual
    Porsche Boxster
    5.6% All 2008 cars
    2.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Tread depth: 9.8% here, against 22.5% of all 2008 cars. Coil springs: 2.2% here, against 12.2% of all 2008 cars.

By area

The share of 2008 Porsche Boxster MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    23% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    19% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Suspension
    14% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    11% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    7% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Steering
    6% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Porsche Boxster?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019885Tyres 17%
20181,010Tyres 17%
2017986Tyres 20%
20161,232Tyres 17%
20151,080Tyres 17%
20141,202Tyres 17%
20131,256Tyres 17%
20121,099Tyres 20%
2011777Brakes 19%
2010811Brakes 18%
2009859Brakes 20%
20071,568Brakes 25%
20061,848Brakes 27%
20053,214Brakes 30%
20041,997Brakes 30%
20032,380Brakes 33%
20022,091Brakes 32%
20012,024Brakes 34%
20001,853Brakes 34%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Porsche Boxsters registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score