2,000 miles In The Cheapest Porsche 911 You Can Buy!

Check out my podcast, Behind The Glass (The UK's Number 1 Automotive Podcast)
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This week I drive from London to Austria (and back) in the cheapest modern 911 you can buy. This 911 Carrera (with just four options) has been lent to me by Porsche GB and costs just £88,500.
The reason I take it to Austria is for the GP Ice Race's 'ICEolated' event... a showcase as to what the event will be like when it can open to the public next year. Next week's video will show more of the Ice Race event.
For all things Seen Through Glass, visit my website:
seenthroughglass.online/
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Intro Music - Holismo, Sheldrake by Seiscientosdoce
Channel Art & Intro Photography by Adam Shah [ / adam_shah_ ] & Chris Williams [ / munch997 ]
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Thanks for watching SeenThroughGlass. If you liked this video you may also like videos by Shmee150, Salomondrin, Supercars Of London, Car Throttle, MrJWW and Petrolicious.

[@AHenryAdventure]

That "Give me a manual gearbox!" was too perfect haha!

[@dimmacommunication]

but a good one, not the modern ones with ultra long gears

[@tredfxman]

Give me a break when it comes to acceleration! (not a physical one) 👍

[@nielsdebakker3283]

Just fork out 11 grand more so you can option it on your carrera s... know enough people who can not afford a 11 grand car.

[@dimmacommunication]

@@nielsdebakker3283 I can't afford a 2k car lol

[@iamspyvspy3077]

@@nielsdebakker3283 or buy a 991.2 Carrera T :)

[@BenB91]

I had a base 997.2 and it was ace. Never once needed more power. Kept pace with a gt3 and turbo in the real world. Would get thrashed on a track for sure though. Would highly recommend a base spec 911

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Was it PDK? I had a manual 997.2 Carrera on 18 inch wheels - Wasn't that quick and found it a bit boring and sold it. My manual 2009 987.2 Cayman S was more fun.

[@BenB91]

@@MagicAyrtonforever yes PDK. Did have 19" wheels and PASM, so not completely basic.

[@Ztandard32]

I had a base 997.2. I thought it was brilliant, so it's still in the garage. PDK is great too, I know my manual gear change would be worse, especially when overtaking or flooring it.

[@donpatisson]

@@Ztandard32 I have a 997.2 S with PDK and love it! But after few years, when you stop tracking it, a base model with manual gearbox is just what you want. Can’t compete with newer models anyway. It’s the daily pleasure of shifting around, regardless of it is slower or not than the PDK. In few years, it will be all electric anyway 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@pic18f452]

@@Ztandard32 If you have a 997.2 manual up for sale then please let me know. I'm interested in one. US side

[@maximiliankranl7910]

You were right, Sam, this one turned out particularly well. I’m happy that you like my hometown so much - Tegernsee 🥰

[@kingbball66]

Your town looks incredible!

[@andrewhurstcars]

Great place Tegernsee 👍🏻

[@markm4123]

I think porsche is one of the few companies where the base trim is recommended over the higher ones. They’re pretty capable for what they are, and can probably suit most people’s needs if they are just road driving and want the looks. Also, I’m glad that base porsche’s don’t look terrible which make you have to upgrade to the next trim.

[@maciejgabrys1346]

just road driving? porsche has one of the best engines..

[@sweetlemonade123]

almost 400hp is definitely not for just road driving...@@maciejgabrys1346

[@adamf.8564]

I myself, and most people I would assume buy Porsches not just for the looks and for the road trips. It is a loooot deeper than that. (for me at least).

[@nolandderlugner1351]

​@@maciejgabrys1346every company has one of the best engines No company makes bad engines, its everything else that fails

[@TheCabrooster11]

It’s great that you’re appreciating the entry level car as much as it isn’t the fastest, plushest, most honed 911 in the range it’s still a brilliant car.

[@aidenodukoya5425]

The cinematography in this video is epic! and the car is almost as great! keep up the great work Sam!

[@MrDallman]

Hi Sam, the content, production and the way you put these incredible videos together are a true benchmark in the world of car reviewing. Brilliant….

[@NICOGIA300]

Great video! The footage from the snowy mountains was incredible. What I love about the base Porsche 911 is that it is all you really need. You sort of get the raw feel and power without the detractions. With love from the United States!

[@TheProjectOverload]

Amazing content Sam - Love these trips, especially for us still limited in travel options.

[@randyhelsen687]

One the most fun and entertaining video i have seen during these last months Keep it up!

[@yongkim777]

Im on my 2nd 911. My first is a 1977 911s and now I added a 2001 996 Carrera 4! Its great in the snow & rain, just love it!

[@ashpatel22]

Seen so many Porsche 911 videos on KZbin. This is still my favorite and the best. I come back to it often. Great job 👏 beautiful car!

[@sterling215]

Sam, the production quality on your content is truly amazing. This for taking the time.

[@timgoodman9766]

That was 10/10 STG content. Bravo Sam, have really missed this recipe of adventure during lockdown. So refreshing to have it back 👏🏻

[@marscarz]

Never fails to impress, you content keeps getting better and better. Thank you Sam!!

[@vanduc996]

That was a great video Sam, really enjoyed that. Choice is a good thing, but I wonder if in the modern automotive world things have gone a little overboard as far as choice is concerned. And as a result we can forget that for the vast majority of us, the vast majority of the time, a base 911 is going to be a hugely satisfying and rewarding sportscar to own and drive. Thank you for offering some perspective in that regard

[@danniepushkin5849]

The reason "sports chrono" is a must on a basic 911 - it takes your basic 911 and brings it up to Carrera S level for a fraction of a cost. Worth it - every time

[@mducheine2784]

Beautifully produced, always enjoy your "snow content".

[@commuterbranchline8132]

The quality of the shots in this video is truly impressive, story laid out needs no explanation. Hats off to ya.

[@muizawan]

Awesome! Glad you're able to secure some of the GT4RS footage with sound! Love your videos from here and BTG

[@user-wg5tl3xw6j]

40 seconds in and the production quality is out of this world! This is going to be a banger of a video!

[@Gavin-oq5tt]

Sport chrono is actually may not be essential but is very useful. Set up your own Individual setting (eg. Sport engine map+softer damping) and you can switch between Individual and Sport (or Sport+) without taking your eyes off the road. In UK roads, where bumpy patches is a regular feature, that is quite handy. (Speaking as a 991.2 owner)

[@kingbball66]

Loved those slo-mo shots of the 911 in the snow. Beautiful video. You truly are living the dream

[@gothychris]

Glad to hear your thoughts on the options! Very helpful.

[@BarkandJack]

Superb b roll shots! Looked like great fun.

[@3netaro]

I used to have a plain basic 911 (997) with manual transmission and with absolutely NO options at all. The reason for it is because my budget was limited but I needed to have an owner status of the 911 so badly. At the end of the day, I was right. I throughly enjoyed what Porsche is all about, and attended one time at Fuji Speedway event, and beat a Ferrari on the home stretch at 240 km/h. Currently I am driving an Audi S5 Coupe (4WD) but thinking about going back to BASIC Porsche once again after viewing this video.

[@kmb96]

How or why did you downgrade to an a5 after having the 997

[@watchamovie1000]

Love that you’re reviewing the base!!

[@jaferkhan4108]

the transition between music track before speaking about the 911 was beautiful. Keep it up Sam. Excellent videos

[@genjimccorkle5518]

Base model 911 just seems like a smart choice especially when it’s so easy to go overboard (and be overwhelmed) with options.

[@VisualCarReviews]

Love the story and the camerawork!

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Yep - excellent stuff as usual.

[@raulio81]

12:10 '...left a little bit short in this car...' so well edited with that strange camera angle at 12:19 :)))))

[@VisualSOLUTIONSMedia]

@@raulio81 I think that's probably an Insta360 ONE camera, which yes, unfortunately squished the car a bit... But great video and nice car, Sam! I'll be filming my 87 Carrera driving across the US in 2 months- Cross Country Carrera... :^)

[@KingK339]

I'm seriously looking at the 992..i found this video brilliant help. Thank you sir!!

[@dumamasala4128]

Totally enjoyed this episode. Thanks for taking us along.

[@mrtwills]

There is something nice about a “basic” 911. Of course someone like you will always want a little more performance. But for many I think it’s a great option and still a beautiful fun car.

[@b8yep959]

I’d buy that for the plate alone

[@tomw6719]

Great video. Reminds me of my past living in Frankfurt, driving my blood-orange 69 911S to Kaprun (Zell am See) in the winter. You really sold the base model attributes, nice job Sam!

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Fantastic b-roll. Great production. Very nice car. I think I'd be the target market for this car. Looking forward to more of the Ice Race videos. Keep up the good work.

[@DwainDwight]

nice post Sam. for me, either one of these or a GT car. a great daily driver I think, but not at £90k. should be £75-80k max. and it should be available in a manual.

[@davewheeler7679]

I agree entirely. That's a very nice 911. I do like base spec cars.

[@mso008]

Yes, it should have a 6 speed manual.

[@BrendanEvan]

I was thinking a manual too. May have to find a lightly used one

[@dimmacommunication]

True, totally overpriced.

[@DwainDwight]

@@BrendanEvan good call

[@rtsmith3921]

Sam, Ordered and just delivered a 992 Carrera and not regretting my decision at all. Your comments on typical Porsche options such as PDLS + and Sport Chrono made perfect sense to me….and thus did not order either of these on my vehicle. A great every day driver that is a great performer and easy to live with.

[@danadiaz7968]

I have sport chrono on my 992 - get it - you wont regret the magic button in the middle of the dial honestly

[@billnorblat4047]

It's much more than a clock

[@kevletmein]

These types of adventures are the best videos in my opinion. Great content.

[@User76575]

Been seriously excited for this! Outstanding filming/production as always!

[@cartergarnon6299]

Searched for a manual base 992…would’ve 100% bought one if they made them. I would’ve also upgraded to the first GTS available a couple years down the road.

[@Superevilfrog]

Lack of manual is what has kept me in my 997 instead of moving up to a 992.

[@EvoraGT430]

Lotus are still building fantastic manual sports cars.

[@fritzmuller8246]

This car is simply gorgeous. What a difference the new styling makes. It's utterly stunning . Usually I pan the new designs as being awful . This is simply outstanding. Love it. Front grill I'd colour code a bit more to get rid of too much black but other than that it's 10/10. Super work Porsche

[@robru]

Great video Sam. I can appreciate you spent a lot of time getting some great shots.

[@bradsry8731]

entertaining & informative review. especially liked your take on some of the options and the value therein...very helpful for prospective buyers !

[@scalecrawlnl]

Mad props for Sam and the unrivalled STG video and editing quality. And for an idea, is a 'Behind The Scenes, How To Film Like STG video' possible before or after the season? For it so impressive to say the least. I do now want one, checking under the sofa cushions immediastely. Most likely, the best ''all-round'' 911. A great fun video, top notch Sir👍

[@askiff1415]

Totally agree with the comments. The base model is a more than capable GT and a lot of fun. Personally I have a Carrera 4S and a 911 Heritage model. I love my 4S and also take it on the same route we’ve just watched 👍. Love the content keep going.

[@evilcheesestick9306]

This is the first video of yours that I’ve watched and I’m loving the channel!

[@PhilipVella]

Cheers for a very informative ending to the video. It was nice hearing first hand experience on the lights, sports Chrono and sound system. Nice one

[@gregmayled]

Would’ve been good to hear what mpg you were getting, what the cabin noise was like, how the car felt compared to other cars in the price range and so on. Nice cinematic as always though!

[@gungun24]

Not really what sam does, however, I believe Harry has done a video on it which covers these questions

[@mccoysmedia]

I love my base 992, more than enough power as my daily. Have to say though I find the base audio woeful at best, the Bose is well worth the upgrade.

[@kevrenshaw6177]

THank you for your vlog. Probably one of the better reviews I've watched for a bit on the Porsche. Before I had to get a proper job I owned a Boxter. I didn't buy it to pose in or drive fast. I bought it because on the test drive, it gave me such a smile on my face that I couldn't say no since no other car has ever done that. The psychology of buying just the base model knowing that you climb into it, start it up and start smiling is astounding. It had a profound effect on me. However living where I do, I went to 2 wheels and even with lease and all the options, a nurse would never be able to afford a car even the base model you drive. THank You again for your vlog. It made me dream. at least for a while. 🙂

[@MrAlfisti21]

I really liked that you took into consideration many different limitations while on the Autobahn. Weather, tyres, traffic etc. Driving fast can be safe. Cheers!

[@SuperSenis]

I would absolutely love it if all the sports car manufacturers started making "old school" sized sports cars like they used to. Everything from a 911 to a Camaro to a Mustang. The new generations are soo big!

[@itguru2037]

Yep. That’s why I purchased the cayman base

[@josefgordon7712]

GR 86!

[@wboeren1]

Awesome car, can never afford it, but enjoy watching you driving it.

[@joshuacarlson4768]

Great video and this is the first time that I’ve been on your channel which I subscribed to. I’ve always wanted a base 911 naturally aspirated and your video and description of the car is exactly what I want. I’m from Boston and we have mountains 50 miles north of us that we can zip around the corners like you are. Thanks for the video. Warren

[@gabrielarch5242]

Straight up good looks! Clean lines, no interruptions.

[@PatrickWDwyer]

Just drove a base 911 yesterday and it was so much better than expected. I was expecting it to feel slower and less nimble. But it was amazing

[@CarsofGlasgow]

was it noisy? I have heard other KZbinrs comment on the road noise

[@CarsofGlasgow]

it did seem loud in the video@@markasread4349

[@jenBaker707]

27 is the number of times you need to tell the Porsche sales team "No, I just want a 911", to drive of in one.

[@HoagieBun]

It's cute hearing "cheap", and "Porsche 911" in the same title.

[@911aircooled5]

Great review, and well put together! Nice to see Zell am See, home of the Porsche family. Lovely city.

[@LaGantoise]

One would think that a base 911 would have a manual and no radio.

[@mylvan]

Sam, how does this 911 compare to your 911 you've used to drive the world?

[@HiddenWen]

There's something special when you make videos involving Porsche Sam! A great start to 2022!

[@guyfrawley9662]

Well done Sam. A great video, entertaining, informative and most of all, great fun!

[@twt3716]

I've never liked Porsches but this looks and sounds like a car I would buy. Basic, simple, unfettered by extra trinkets. Nice. Thanks for a brilliant vid.

[@certifiedbidry]

Great video,👍

[@edmi4816]

Great video Sam! Always loved your channel, always have great purposeful contents, great quality productions, keep it up Sam!! Look forward to many more road trips videos soon! 👍🏼😉

[@ThijmenCodes]

Great cinematography, fun host!

[@HawkMillFarm]

No we don’t all finance our cars and I think you make a good case for buying a billy basic one. Need an S? Second hand has always been fine by me and let’s face it OPCs turn them out like new with a great warranty.

[@neuronbob]

I’ve been plotting my way to a 911 in the current bonkers automotive market in the USA. After watching this video, I’d probably take a base 911 Carrera 4 as a daily driver for a bit. For a daily, all I need is entertainment in the drive itself, AWD, Apple CarPlay, and a set of winter tires for our snowy winters. Thanks for the interesting POV.

[@WowzaGuy]

This! ^

[@davidkennedy_home5601]

I am fortunate to live in Maine, which I love, but the winters are long. I have what you describe; a 2003 911C4 Cabrio. I have a set of winter wheels and good Continental snowies. Also have a hardtop. Wish it was a C4S but otherwise would not change anything. I do want to get PPF for at least the nose, as it takes a bathing in the snow.

[@paulschiphorst9234]

I am configuring a Porsche and this video really helps in my selections. Thx.

[@NBMBC40]

Great video again Sam and some very interesting specification points.

[@dissol]

I disagree. I bought a new base 991.2 Carrera. Being a wheelchair user, I need the PDK (which is an amazing gearbox, anyway). I use it as a daily driver, often doing 1000mile in a day runs here in South Africa. I am pleased I don’t have all the little extras like rear wheel steering, as I after yearning for a 911 for 40 years, I wanted a “clean” experience, closer as possible to the older 911 ethos. As for keeping up with Caymans or Carrera S or GTS, I am absolutely confident that once at this level it is all about the skill of the driver. A Walter Rohl in a base 911 could probably lap most places faster than 99% of other drivers even in GT products. As mentioned, I wanted a 911 for 40 years. I bought this for myself, as a daily driver, as a keeper. I can comfortably commute, cover huge distances, or push it over the many local mountain passes. As a planned long term keeper, I was more concerned that some of the high spec, specialist stuff like rear wheel steering might be something that could eventually go wrong. What I can report is that every km of the 120 000 km we have covered together have been done with a smile on my face. It is quite simply the best car I have owned, and meets every expectation and need. My only gripe is that I do seem to get through (bloody expensive) tyres really quickly (every 20 000km or so), but I imagine that is directly related to my enjoyment!

[@wouterpeters3551]

I almost thought I was watching a Cars With Luke video

[@andrewhill9513]

Great video, your travel vlogs are your specialty

[@corychecketts]

Base spec 911s are some of my favorite cars. Glad you featured it.

[@keithevans5667]

STG coffee time 😉

[@africanotomotiv]

Give this man his hammers.🔨🔨🔨🔨🔨 He's earned them. Full marks Sam. Thank you.

[@tomperry4798]

No a teaspoon cracks boiled eggs

[@africanotomotiv]

@@tomperry4798 this is true.

[@elikinzie23]

Always enjoy your videos I feel the cinematography is unmatched.

[@wilkins887]

Love the car review. you entice me to add 911 in my wish list! well done.

[@MdbShanghai]

Hi Sam, to me this is very smart marketing due to chip shortage. Dealers can hardly sell cars but the cheaper basic models can be sold faster as far less chips. Still lovely video and awesome videography.

[@bentleyspotter]

I agree with you that the manual would make sense in this car. I personally think a standard 911 would be a great car to have, and likely would be the one that tempts me. I havent had the pleasure of driving a GT3 or a Ferrari so i dont know what id be missing, and the power is where it is useable on the street. Like this press car, I would certainly also go for the leather interior (Dash, doors). I think its shameful that a 100k usd car has an ugly plastic interior as standard. This to me is a 911. The turbo S i brilliant, but i just cant see spending true exotic money on one, when at its core its a 100k car. The base one is for me. Awesome video as always.

[@Lumiere_]

You get an awesome BMW 7 Series for that much money

[@creamdisco]

Always love a Porsche video! Great video!

[@stevemurrell6167]

Great video Sam.....a very enjoyable trip.

[@rishabbennett]

When 2 of my favourite car youtubers put out 911 content on the same day! Go check out cars with Luke's latest 992 gt3 night video absolutely insane!! Dope video too sam!! Loving the content!!

[@jstoli996c4s]

Luke’s videos are epically good 👍

[@RideTheTrack]

As someone who recently cross shopped a bunch of cars including a 911 and agonised over the whole base Carrera vs Carrera S thing, I think I kinda figured it out: The truth is the Carrera is the one bought by the average drivers with a bit of money who are most honest with themselves. The regular bloke, who spends pretty much 100% of the time driving the car normally, on city streets, just like everyone else. They don't track the car, would never want nor need to drive the car anywhere near it's limits, where they wouldn't even notice the 2% advantage the PDCC or PASM - 10mm gives them anyway. They never use full power so they wouldnt even know the difference between base and S, never change driving modes so forget the sports chrono package , don't want the 'noisy' exhaust, they just use the car like any other car to go from point A to B, only with a little more style and excitement than that Camry they secretly know they would probably be just as happy to drive. They just want to save a few bucks, drive a car that makes them feel special, and has a nice badge that everyone's heard of. Isn't that what the carrera is just perfect for? If porsche knows one thing, they know their customers. I am sure they knew there's a bunch of people out there (people like me if I am being honest) that are a perfect fit for a car like this Thanks for the lovely video btw!

[@Moving_Chicane]

For whatever reason, this video was very enjoyable....scenery, car coverage, new/old stuff.... dunno, but great edit! Thanks!

[@RoopDaddy86]

Got this on my feed and just love the host. Did a fantastic job!

[@aviationhd2554]

First!!! Great content as always Sam!

[@sanmarino_cs1698]

Is happily drive that car it still looks amazing but it’s still extremely expensive!! Would be very hard to not go for a GT4 instead.

[@timoldland]

Excellent video Sam, these are my favourite videos of yours. 👍

[@alexmackenzie6258]

What an insane film. They just keep getting better and better!

[@lanmastersassistant659]

Costs just £88,500... So 3x the average annual salary in the UK. I don't know a single person who could afford this car Let's be a little realistic here. Other than that great video. I did like the fact you reviewed the cheapest 911. Just shows how great the base car is, but it's still very expensive.

[@MrJaxDemon]

It's obvious if you watch Seen through glass, shmee or Archie or even Paul Wallace you're not gonna see cheap cars. I do remember Paul Wallace saying he was gonna do a video series on cheap cars normal people can afford but it never materialised so I stopped following lol. Infact seen through glass the only one I follow now.

[@cephasmakuzva]

@JaxDemon we do need a channel where someone works with brands exclusively to get real-world cars only. Ford fiestas the focus, , mercedes a200, bmw 3 series, audi a4, volkswagen golf, kia sportage, vauxhall corsa, hydunai tuscon audi q3, volksagen passat. Stuff that people get

[@MrJaxDemon]

@@cephasmakuzva I watch Calvin's Car diaries mate. He's more down to earth and he actually gives back to Subscribers

[@stichupman]

@@MrJaxDemon Calvin is a honest guy giving away free cars to subscribers and has all types of cars to review. Domt get me wrong I'd love a supercar but at the minute I'd love to have normal priced gas and electricity Haha.

[@MrJaxDemon]

@@stichupman I find him real and genuine and caring and while he likes to make money he doesn't chat shit tbh. Much rather follow a good guy like him who churns out good content to cars I can afford rather then hearing about my next daily which is a car costing 50-70k

[@Toni62R]

There is no cheap Porsche 911

[@e_da_g2161]

At least none that actually run…

[@nolandderlugner1351]

Read the title Cheapest Not cheap

[@AndrewF321]

Almost thought I was watching The Grand Tour, nicely done.

[@slupo14]

This is great man! I love these trips out of England! Keep it up!

[@dereumell28]

6:00 watch all the idiots going in the middle lane despite the right lane being empty for so long. As a German there are few things making me more upset than that when driving on the Autobahn... As always Sam, amazing video and makes me want to own a Porsche one day even more!

[@citizenfour9622]

*HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY THIS?* “Cheap” refers to quality; “Affordable” refers to price - _there’s no cheap Porsche!_ 🤦‍♂️

[@MrBloodsmily]

what a great video! love the quality of it!

[@keith6360]

Always interesting content with a fresh perspective on cars. Not always going for the top spec as not everyone can afford them.