Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

Porsche 964 RS

An inactive autumn, MoT pass and some engine oil leaks on the Porsche's 'to-do' list

Porsche 964 RS

I’m ashamed to say that the 911 has been dormant for much of the autumn, save a few runs to the office and the odd Sunday-morning dash to blow away the cobwebs. I know, it’s a criminal waste, but such is life sometimes. Still, with old RS prices hardening all the time, at least I don’t have depreciation to add to my sense of woe.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The good news is that however long it’s been since I last drove the RS, whenever I’m around long enough to drop into the bucket seat and go for a spin, I genuinely love it. As new high-performance cars get inexorably bigger and more packed with airbags and driver aids, the doggedly analogue RS just feels tighter, tougher and more intense.

I’ve not completely neglected the Porsche, though. This month I’ve managed to sort another year’s road tax and MOT (the latter being done at Paragon MOT & Servicing Centre in Northampton). The old Dunlop SSR tyres just about squeaked through, but I still need to get some new boots. I’m currently undecided as to whether to go for some similarly track-biased rubber or try some evo tyre test-winning Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics. Whatever, tyres are next month’s RS-related task.

Removing the engine undertray a month or so ago did reveal a few oil leaks (oh joy), although being a 964 that wasn’t altogether unexpected. I’ll get them investigated, but thankfully the motor feels as strong and smooth as ever, and my garage floor doesn’t look like the Exxon Valdez has run aground, so I think I’ll just keep my eye on the levels – the dipstick’s fine at the moment – and wait until winter finally closes in before getting someone else’s hands dirty.

Find used Porsche 964's for sale here on the Classic and Performance Car site here.

Running Costs

Date acquiredJuly 2006
Total mileage59010
Costs this month£255 (MOT and tax)
Mileage this month104
MPG this month22.8
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Lotus Esprit is officially making a return, and it has a V8
Lotus Esprit
News

The Lotus Esprit is officially making a return, and it has a V8

Lotus is resurrecting the iconic Esprit nameplate for a V8 hybrid supercar as part of a major strategic pivot toward electrified combustion power
11 May 2026
Mercedes-Benz E-class review – how to beat BMW’s 5-series on luxury if not fun
Mercedes-Benz E-class
In-depth reviews

Mercedes-Benz E-class review – how to beat BMW’s 5-series on luxury if not fun

The E-class’s wide range of powertrains isn’t the only way it beats its rivals for versatility
11 May 2026
Could the new Nissan Z finally be making its way to the UK?
Nissan Z
News

Could the new Nissan Z finally be making its way to the UK?

The Nissan Z has been forbidden fruit for Europe's drivers, but Nissan is now working on bringing its rear-wheel drive coupe to Europe
13 May 2026