Porsche Boxster reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Porsche Boxster is a sports car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 216 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 20 of 442, and 13.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is catalyst emissions (1.9% of tests).
Ranked 20 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 2 of 7 sports cars
In 2024, 22,735 Porsche Boxsters aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 13.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Porsche Boxster is 54% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 4.0% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
13.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
4.0%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
4,200
Typical age at test: 15 years
Porsche Boxster MOT failure rate by age
Most common Porsche Boxster MOT faults
- Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.9% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.6% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.1% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.9% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too high0.8% of tests
What the Porsche Boxster fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 4.3% | ▼ 66% less often |
| Suspension | 3.1% | ▼ 68% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.9% | ▼ 20% less often |
| Tyres | 2.9% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Brakes | 2.9% | ▼ 62% less often |
| Visibility | 1.7% | ▼ 69% less often |
| Body and structure | 1.0% | ▼ 77% less often |
| Steering | 0.7% | ▼ 68% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.3% | ▼ 78% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 74% less often |
What MPG does the Porsche Boxster do?
Official economy for the Porsche Boxster ranges from 25.4 to 36.7mpg across the 47 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2016). A typical petrol version manages 31mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Porsche Boxster?
Any Porsche Boxster first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Porsche Boxster registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £360 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carPorsche Boxster specs and running costs
Official figures for 47 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2016.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
25.4–36.7 mpg
CO2
180–268 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster 2.7 Euro 6M6 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 33.6 mpg | 195g | £410 |
| Boxster 2.7 PDK Euro 6A7 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 35.8 mpg | 183g | £360 |
| Boxster GTS PDKA7 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 34.4 mpg | 190g | £410 |
| Boxster S Euro 6M6 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 31.4 mpg | 211g | £445 |
| Boxster S PDK Euro 6A7 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 34.4 mpg | 190g | £410 |
| Boxster GTSM6 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 31.4 mpg | 211g | £445 |
| Boxster 2.7 PDKAutomatic · listed 2014 | Petrol | 36.7 mpg | 180g | £360 |
| Boxster S PDKAutomatic · listed 2014 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 188g | £410 |
| Boxster 2.7Manual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 34.4 mpg | 192g | £410 |
| Boxster SManual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 32.1 mpg | 206g | £445 |
| Boxster GTSManual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 31.4 mpg | 211g | £445 |
| Boxster 981 2.7 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 34.4 mpg | 192g | £410 |
| Boxster 981 2.7 PDKAutomatic · listed 2013 | Petrol | 36.7 mpg | 180g | £360 |
| Boxster S 981 3.4 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 32.1 mpg | 206g | £445 |
| Boxster S 981 3.4 PDKAutomatic · listed 2013 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 188g | £410 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 47 versions.
What a Porsche Boxster costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 31mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Porsche BoxsterBuying a used Porsche Boxster?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Porsche Boxster with other sports cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Porsche models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Porsche Boxster reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Porsche Boxster is 54% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 216 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Porsche Boxster?
The most common MOT fault is “Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits”, found in 1.9% of tests.
›What MPG does the Porsche Boxster do?
Official economy for the Porsche Boxster ranges from 25.4 to 36.7mpg across the 47 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2016). A typical petrol version manages 31mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Porsche Boxster?
Any Porsche Boxster first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Porsche Boxster registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £360 to £790 a year.
›How many Porsche Boxsters fail their MOT?
13.8% of Porsche Boxsters aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 4.0% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Porsche Boxster combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.