Driving My 'Cheap' Porsche Boxster Across America! [Part 1]

[@GuyMiddletons]

That’s the alternator. Great content. While nearly all the other channels get boring this one still delivers.

[@Sean_Farmer]

More than likely, although it could also be a bad battery that won't hold a charge. Only a voltage tester will tell once the car gets a jump start.

[@sambaresi67]

same thing happened to me in my 2001 Boxster S, dashboard lit up and then lost all power. Coasted onto the hard shoulder. Was the alternator as you say.

[@cloudyview]

Wonder how delayed this is... If he's at that ranch tonight/last night, or if this was days/weeks ago... 🤷‍♂️

[@christianrode2549]

Yep, totally

[@007knick]

@@cloudyviewProbably about a week ago. He recorded the latest behind the glass last week when he was back in the UK. Car week starts on the 12th

[@camadone1214]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the quality of Sam’s videos. So many b-roll clips and moments where he drives off and goes back for the camera. Epic video mate, bravo 👏

[@Dr.Bob85]

👍👍

[@rydog50]

Absolutely well acknowledged

[@peterfritzphoto]

I agree. It’s a LOT of work!

[@toddsmith8608]

I found the "can we all just take a moment.." guy. As if no one would be appreciating the video without your cheerleading. Is your daytime job holding up the applause sign for talk show audiences?

[@camadone1214]

@@toddsmith8608 No cheerleading Todd, just a show of appreciation to a creator, shame you feel the need to go on the offensive with someone you don’t know or have never met, but each to our own if that’s how you get your kicks in life!

[@ExcellentDude]

Sam is putting in the work! How many camera resets he does for a "getting in the car and driving off" shot is truly amazing .

[@peterfritzphoto]

I totally agree. He’s like a one-man camera crew!

[@dream_supercars_daily]

So excited for this adventure across America in a relatable achievable car That is typically on brand seen through glass

[@ej2863]

Sweet

[@Ewannj]

23:20 "Free Battery Testing" at the autoparts store 😂 You walked straight past it!

[@seenthroughglass]

Haha, literally the first time I noticed. A bit crap of the store to not mention it considering I explained the issue to them

[@kana4114]

@@seenthroughglass Auto Zone or O’Riley’s auto parts stores are good at diagnostic checking usually at no cost. At the very least they can check your battery and most times will replace it for you for the cost of the battery.

[@cloudyview]

​@@seenthroughglassthey also probably would have pulled codes for you. Nearly certain that's an alternator issue, not a battery. Battery just wasn't getting charged while you were slowly draining the voltage all day.

[@SetirKiri]

@@cloudyview Agree, sam driving a lot so if the battery failed at least the battery will charged during the day. So big chance is the alternator was failed.

[@Hilighted]

Every auto parts store in America will gladly check your battery and run codes, no matter how crappy the store.

[@danzhangmagic]

i love it so much when Sam does road trip like this

[@seenthroughglass]

Same

[@js3602]

Sunday mornings with Sam! ... and a coffee.

[@seenthroughglass]

Enjoy!

[@HollandN54]

Sam! This is what your channel is about, awesome!

[@TheShootingBrake]

As a resident of Lincoln Nebraska, It's fun to think you were so close. I think I've been subscribed since the day you collected the 4C. Back when you wore the glasses for your POV car-spotting in London. I love how the channel has evolved to more of a travel blog with a heavy focus on cars. You are the one channel I will always watch. Love the videos, Sam.

[@markhodge7]

Take my word for it as a trucker. Central Illinois and Nebraska are a real challenge for staying awake. Having a good look at any building you see will keep your eyes moving.

[@seenthroughglass]

That sounds about right! Stay safe out there

[@ABoringTool]

How many Love's energy drink stops does it take to get thru Illinois challenge

[@MoparTechWill]

Thats most likely an alternator failing, not charging the battery. Boost it with the jump pack and test the battery voltage while running. If its not ~14v then you need a new alt.

[@blueman5924]

👍👍

[@alexthewheelers]

100% this

[@Hilighted]

Oh dear lad, every jolly parts store in America will perform a free charging-system check, even the bloody crappy ones.

[@f.kieranfinney457]

A bad cell in the battery will give the same effect. If the car works fine while running, the alternator is doing its job.

[@CACar_Nation]

His bluethooth thing tells you

[@mickaelbissec7178]

Montage is as usual top notch !

[@seenthroughglass]

Very kind!

[@pkl8811]

@@seenthroughglass super boring your videos...and that awful music. How old are you?

[@somebloke2238]

9:08 that's a Boeing B-29. One of only two still flying.

[@connorisnard7716]

Probably FiFi heading into AirVenture judging by timing of the video! Doc woulda come from the West I think?

[@CaveManSkating]

Entered the comments section to mention the b29 but you already did. Wonder if Sam knows what he's actually filmed. Cool shot too

[@Mike.W.Dasher]

The prop powered war birds are just epic.

[@GM-kj6sb]

@@connorisnard7716 Probably headed to the Oshkosh air show

[@connorisnard7716]

@@GM-kj6sb ya that’s AirVenture haha same thinf

[@mattbuckley392]

Such a quality film .... I disappeared and drifted into the journey and frankly can't wait for episode three.

[@GrooveTasticThang]

The puff of blue smoke at start uo in the morning is no problem- the boxer engine do it- it’s oil from the value train that just settled in a few bores at shutdown- it’s blown through at start up- mine did it for 7 years and used heatedly any oil overall. 😉

[@bryceknez]

Omaha resident and fan of the channel. You stayed in a great part of town, but we have tons of great restaurants and coffee shops if you pass through again. And I80 from Lincoln to North Platte is THE LONGEST drive ever. Safe travels mate.

[@brentlucke8713]

Yeah, if he had time I’d have taken US 6 to Lincoln, 34 to G.I. And then Hwy 2… but then he’d be in Wyoming not Colorado so… guess I get the interstate route since he wanted to go there.

[@exploremore2871]

This is the type of content we want to see!!! Cars and travel with unbelievable cinematography, well done Sam

[@robertwiddrington]

Thanks so much for this video series across America, it is bringing back fabulous memories of my full Route 66 adventure in 2019. America is just so vast it is hard to remember every different landscape you see but watching these videos has already brought Chicago back into sharper focus.

[@Vampirebear13]

SAM !!! You should've gone straight to the Porsche Dealer in Denver, or Googled places that could fix your Boxster because it's NOT a "dead battery". Your alternator is either fried or has lost connection. Because once your engine is running, your Boxster or any car no longer uses battery power. All electrical power comes from the alternator.

[@technom3598]

Thats not exactly true. If you have dead cells yeilding low amps... Thai would happen.

[@Hali88]

this would have been at least a week ago, probably 2 so he will have figured it out, got the alternator or battery (or both) replaced, finished his trip, flown back to the UK to see his wife and kid and will probably fly back to Cali in a few days for Monterey Car Week

[@Hilighted]

@@Hali88happy to hear car week is coming soon. I live in Monterey and you never hear about it until it’s actually happening.

[@f.kieranfinney457]

You answered your own question. If the car works while running… the alternator is working.

[@AlanShirtsink]

Bingo!

[@Themiddleagedkid]

This is the third”ish” time I am watching this video series. I had a 2001 Boxster I have missed since I sold it. Your video has single handily convinced me to buy another which I have now been shopping for over the last month. Thank you for making this video. It really reminded me why I loved the Boxster so much.

[@johnochoa585]

You might be on the way to creating the best Porsche 986 content ever made! Thank you & Bravo!!!

[@andrewfwallace4582]

Sam, absolutely smashed that part 1, fantastic cinematography and music, how you do that on a trip is amazing. Thank you. ❤

[@sambone8213]

Cant say enough about the quality of this video. Best thing I've watched in a long time. Can't wait for Pt2. I had a 99 Boxster for 6 years. These cars drive phenomenally well and are very reliable. Wouldn't hesitate to drive one from coast to coast. Sold mine to upgrade to a 996 but still miss the top down experience.

[@nathan-clark]

Clif Bars are the MVP of most of my long haul travel. Always have them on me.

[@seenthroughglass]

I have consumed an illegal amount the last few weeks

[@jahyoda]

Apples...apples are key...just enough sustainable energy and enough hydration to not use bathroom but staying hydrated ....

[@power2me1]

@@jahyoda i laughed out loud, i thought that was MY secret cross country road trip strategy! apples are a road warriors' fuel

[@jahyoda]

@@power2me1 yeah...I feel stupid for letting the cat outta the bag 🤣🤣

[@JV-ko3nq]

Hats off to you Sam. A big adventure like this, being on your own out there, recording and staying so calm when things seem to go a bit south. It might be your job, but still, lots of respect :)

[@garrettcicuto]

Sam, you've seen more of America on your travels than most American's. Let's also take a minute to appreciate the planning and logistics of driving across the country and having hotel accommodations set up. Keep it going.

[@JonDarch-jl5jj]

This is giving me proper 'Drive The World' vibes. Really love it when you blend the cars with travel, especially the US. DTW was my fav of all your content, looking forward to plenty more to come!

[@eatisonline]

drove from SD to NC with my 987, she was rough too, made it the whole way + 1.5 years of driving no issues. Project car level

[@y14jms]

God this gave me total Drive the World vibes. Fantastic content Sam. You always produce your best content when travel vlogging and reviewing. Made my afternoon this has!

[@seenthroughglass]

Happy to hear that!

[@hdmk213]

This is refreshing seeing you in something more attainable. Also loving the b-roll footage as well - the drone shots are incredible!

[@scaffmadd]

Not normally a big commenter But this channel never fails to impress me, and I follow a few of ur competitors I’d never have the bottle to do this trip, especially on my own , so thank you for taking us all with you .. I felt ur anxiety at the end😱 Exactly why i couldn’t do it..

[@boyracer3477]

Always remember. In America, you can drive from anywhere to anywhere. If you have a credit card, and a AAA card you will be fine. You may have some delays, but you will be fine. I drove from Chicago to San Francisco in a 1970s Fiat 124 Spider (50 years old and a garage queen I had flown in to purchase). Broke down 4 times. I lived and got some good stories to tell.

[@jamest5149]

The oily puff is a normal trait. Also the oil level does change a lot depending on if the car has sat, just started or fully warm, follow the hand book exactly when checking the oil otherwise you are just guessing.

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

Such a lovely road trip - thank you for taking us there Sam! In my head I admire how you took the clips being alone during the trip. The last dead battery I had in my EV - 2 x! but it was close to home not in the middle of america. Let's see the next chapter how you solved it, leaving us with a cliffhanger here stranded, very professional of you :)

[@OwenLewis67]

Alternator i suspect. battery may come back. it’s going to be a long,week to find out. jump pack a good plan, did you ask them if they can get you an alternator. i’ve run a car for a week on two battery, charging up the one and commuting on the other one until the alternator arrived. good luck Sam.

[@pharmacells]

Great content Sam. I've got a 1998 Boxster, amongst other more valuable cars, and I know that a good Boxster is far better than it's worth. Great to see you doing the trip in yours. A pal of mine flew to the USA, bought a C4 Corvette in Chicago and after 500 miles the alternator failed. It was fixed, he drove it around the USA for 3 months, ended in Santa Monica, where he sold the car for more than he paid in Chicago. Sure beats doing the trip in a hire car!

[@vamosrafa9638]

Best content out there and you should do more like this, real content that feels less edited/ structured. Brilliant stuff Sam

[@Tmrfe0962]

Great job…heard about you on SCR. Glad I came to see this. I’ll be doing this before too long myself, with hopefully the same car… been looking for this exact spec. Thanks again.

[@willjam465]

I love Chicago! My favorite city. Beautiful architecture, great food, and always something to do.

[@filipegil8752]

Sam your videography is nothing short of movie theater worthy... Outstanding sir 😎 Old girl, long road trip, even if someone says she's ready, always, always check, vital fluids, lights, tires and... battery. But that wouldn't be fun and we would not be having this film and or conversation. Best of luck mate, amazing trip so far and ahead still.

[@chrisdenman1985]

I am loving this series! Brilliant idea to buy a used Porsche and criss America! The roadside stops and videos are great. You must have a detail crew following you to keep the Porsche looking so clean. We all know how hard it is to keep a black car looking clean. No bug splatters on the windshield or front end in videos after hundreds if miles. Carry on Sam!

[@chuckcribbs3398]

Emlenton, PA!!! That’s where my mother’s grandparents lived! I loved there very old house on the top of the valley overlooking the Allegheny River. At one point it had the highest bridge in the U.S. so many fond memories of their three acres they owned, playing in the woods, walking downtown to buy a 25 cent comic book, driving my grandfathers Wheel Horse to mow the grass, exploring the house that was built in the 1860s and just spending time with my grandparents. He was a captain during WW2 and I have his dress sword, all of his old books and a bust of Abraham Lincoln that has been in the family since 1911. Such great memories of Emlenton!

[@iainlyons]

Great to see the travel style vlog back. Brilliant

[@seenthroughglass]

More to come!

[@obiwan8393]

As someone said in the comments earlier this is giving drive the world vibes and I love it. I watched the Kara and Nate’s video of Iowa truck stop and I enjoyed it. I’ve now subscribed to them thanks to you.

[@lrnasigo1]

I’ve lived here for 50 years and still haven’t done a road trip across America. Goals! 👍

[@boyracer3477]

Put it on your calendar now or you will never do it. There will always be a good reason to wait if you don't just schedule it and do it.

[@lrnasigo1]

@@boyracer3477 Great advice! Thank you!

[@vinceliu4138]

Mate what a lovely looking video... cinematography on point as usual, keep it up buddy 👍👍

[@jerkchicken508]

Sam, wonderful to see your growth on KZbin throughout the years. I remember you coming back to the school (I won't name it but you'll know) to talk about your passion for cars and the idea of making money online and doing something you love everyday, I still remember it vividly. Thanks for making these videos, just know that you've inspired a lot of people to do (or about to) the same.

[@roelfkromhout]

One of those cars that gets better with age. Legitimately love the way it looks.

[@sainthelens4170]

Who doesn’t love a large scoop of jeopardy? Hugely envious of your journey so far!

[@UmmahGuidance]

This hss got to be, i mean this IS the best episodes on stg.. proper affordable car, proper views and road trip ending in alternator failure.. look forward to the next..the fact that you filmed it and didnt pretend your banger was all good. Should do more vids with these sorta cars..

[@RemieRobinson]

You do need a battery, but that's an indicator of a bigger problem. Means it needs an alternator. If you just put a new battery, it will run but eventually die again because the motor would just be running off the battery power with a weak alternator. The motor would eventually kill the battery. Have a new alternator installed with the battery, no more issues outside of the normal maintenance..

[@MrAdamz123]

I already love this series so much!!

[@danielecompangoni]

Once I had just got my license and I went to the store with my father to buy a new battery since the one in the car was failing and wouldn't have started, so I had to be really careful since if I were to make the car stop chances where I either had to make it start back from inertia or just stop on the side of the road, fortunately I am a quick learner when it's needed and I managed to get us back home with the new battery... tried like you did of course and it was completely dead, in that case battery solve, hope for the best! Can0t wait to watch the part about all the western states 😍

[@PedroHenriquePS00000]

When i was a child i had a toy of this boxter, people dont like this car but i ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. It was one of my best toys, all metal and heavy, i loved it.

[@boyracer3477]

The only people who don't like them have never driven one. I bought mine when I did some quick overnight research and found no one who wasn't in love with theirs.

[@shakedrashty]

STG at its finest. One of my favorite videos of the year!

[@yzf5172]

Best enthusiast travel channel period.

[@leonniessen-autospecials6436]

It’s so great to see how you do this roadtrip on your own AND make videos in this quality. Can’t wait for the next one !

[@caneytt]

What an amazing well put together video, really felt part of your journey sat at home! Music was spot on and scenic shots were 👌

[@kevin8_4]

Great video Sam. Best thing about Sundays is waiting for new STG video

[@mitchellsteindler]

One of your best videos ever

[@maxwatson8380]

Watching this series with my family, absolutely loving it. Vintage STG. Can’t wait for next week❤️

[@JacK-yr8ri]

Appreciate all the out of car shots you get, must be a mission driving off and then having to run back for the camera!

[@Vincetagram]

14:24 Lol those sounds from the truck aren’t just because of the exhaust. Trucks usually run super smooth. That’s the jake brake. Not exactly sure how it works but from what I understand, it cuts fuel and leaves the exhaust valves open in a way that is counterintuitive to the engine turning over, therefore slowing the truck down. Keeps wear off of the normal brakes and make stopping with huge loads easier.

[@sbauroth]

I drove from NY to LA in 2002 in a hatchback 1999 Hyundai Accent. Greatest trip ever!

[@loek3970]

This one deserves more views!! Top-notch quality

[@Azizur_93]

Shoutout, Kara and Nate. My favourite channel on KZbin too! 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@tomnutting3836]

Mad a shit day much better thanks Sambo! Bloody love the adventure and hope we get at least 3 more videos out of this trip!

[@nornibres]

I normally look at the length of a video before I decide if I want to invest my time. I'm glad I did. Very enjoyable eavesdropping on your adventure.

[@BakersTaste]

What a way to start a Sunday. Loving this trip!

[@thomasschimmeyer8715]

The only deep dish worth eating is Lou Malnati's. We only eat it once a year generally, most pizza consumed in Chicago is tavern style square cut. Also every auto parts store in the USA will walk outside and test your battery and alternator. Alot of parts stores in the middle of the country people will help you change them if bad too.

[@seenthroughglass]

Yeh, I regretted my choice but thought I had to give it a go

[@TheGreener121]

15:40 That shop playing Objects in the Mirror :3 Most dope fam is still alive

[@JimmyXie]

So glad to see you putting this Boxster to proper use! Always a pleasure to see you!

[@sarunasnorinkevicius7728]

It's like an episode 2 of an epic new series has just ended, so we can't wait for the next one!

[@lamborghiniregistry]

Adventures like that, while stressful, do add to the story you'll tell for years. I once made a 2400 km road trip to Montreal and had a fuel pump go in some small town on Christmas day. Thankfully it only delayed me by a day to have it repaired. Can't wait for the next episode to see what else comes up

[@belhedizied8937]

Ah you can see sam's face just slowly drifting into utter disappointment with each failure 😅 this brings back so many drive the world memories, wish you all the best sam keep going mate the content is top notch ❤

[@justsomeguy1141]

Great film Sam. You're the best right now no question :)

[@MiegmaishMenas]

I love love love this content! Affordable porsche, roadtrip adventure, it’s soooo goooood!

[@scleeve5650]

Edited so well. Looking forward to more.

[@matt1081]

Really great and engaging, enjoyed that. I love the one or two KZbinrs out there that recreate the Top Gear style road trips. I truly think Sam nails this and it’ll certainly pull in the numbers. Who doesn’t love the trials and tribulations of a slightly interesting but suspect used car doing an epic road trip? Far and away more interesting than seeing yet another review of the latest McLaren, Porsche or Aston amongst all the KZbinrs / journalists releasing the same thing at the same time. This could have been epic in the CS too but I completely get why you’d buy a car for the job and flog it afterwards. Already looking forward to the next episode. Great work Sam 👌🏻

[@kevinwood7353]

Besides a new battery, I would check that the alternator is working properly.

[@stew411]

Sam you should have seen if the auto shop place could have put your car on a computer and helped you install the battery while you were there. A lot of auto shops do that in the America. Good luck with everything

[@ej2863]

Exactly many auto shops will help with battery and diagnostic tools

[@borjastick]

Been to Chicago and Indianapolis a few times Sam and yes they are cool cities. It's a big ask to drive across America but you did it. Well done to you.

[@historicworldchallenge]

Sam you produce some of highest quality videos on KZbin! Well done sir

[@Steve-jq4st]

Great to see you do the trip in an older car. I’ve got a 2007 Boxster S and it’s a joy to drive. Minimal tech and goes better than my driving ability can handle. You don’t need 500 hp to have fun.

[@alpree]

Your video quality is so much higher than a few years ago, I have to say you have come a long way 🎉

[@fraserparramint1903]

Watched a lot of your videos and this is up there with the best. Congrats

[@LewWise87]

One of your best videos to date!

[@TheFilthylopez]

This happened to mine and soon realised it was the FM transmitter (similar to one you bought) that drains the battery, especially if charging a device. It could be another problem but at least you now know a potential issue. Great video.

[@edujourneyaspirasi2775]

Amazing content. Very entertaining. This channel needs 1 million subscribers

[@kevkrohn]

Long time fan if the channel and Omaha resident. Omaha really is quite the little gem in the middle of the USA.

[@ducbox572]

I've never driven coast to coast. Now it's on my bucket list.

[@grantlingley1385]

Sam just love your channel and videos! I wait for the next one every week! Awesome!

[@macman6777]

Incredible video sam - for me its the story of the video and adventure we go on!

[@wowbagger66]

A very enjoyable video. My dad did something similar in the late 1950s, he did a degree at Edinburgh and was accepted into a masters degree at the University of California. He sailed across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary, bought a car in New York, drove it to California and sold it for a profit! It will be interesting to see if you can match that. Driving across in the late 50s must have been an amazing experience.😊

[@DMurph-y7t]

You should pay homage by recreating it

[@wowbagger66]

@@DMurph-y7t I would love to but I don't have the time at the moment, maybe once I retire but I would buy a convertible American car for a more authentic experience and I suspect that parts and maintenance would be easier.

[@stephenrooker1941]

Great content on the cheaper but no less desirable cars of today ❤❤❤

[@GarthGoldberg]

The battery light comes on because the ALTERNATOR is not charging. The parts store could have plugged in a scanner to see if the alternator was working. The ABS and airbag light will come on when the battery is low. Batteries don’t fail suddenly.

[@_Jester_]

Of course a battery can fail suddenly. Happened to me on my way to work once. Turned car off to pick up a friend, tried to start 2 minutes later and nothing. Not even a click. Replaced the battery later that day, all good. Never had an issue with the alternator for almost a decade of ownership after that.

[@mattseve]

Awesome trip to do and on my bucket list, but a few extra days to transit will be needed. Great video Sam, very enjoyable and very envious.

[@harrytiger2025]

Love this style of video! Feels nicely low fi with the pieces to camera along the journey contrasted with the very well shot elements! Nice one Sam :)

[@mikeroper3437]

This is great content. The adventure of an old car long distance. Bravo.

[@nealrantoul9831]

Enjoyed this one. Have made many cross USA trips with some of them breaking down along the way. Good luck!

[@CamMead]

A dream of mine to do exactly this, loving it.. cant wait to see how the car repair goes!