Listing of the Week: Our Pick of Cool Bozeman Area Cars, Trucks, SUVs for Sale

About Listing of the Week: The following listings are selected by Revolving Garage from non-affiliated internet sellers and are linked here for your information and entertainment. Revolving Garage makes no warranties or representations about the contents or availability of the selected listings. Please visit the links provided for listings details, information, and to contact sellers. All photos and listing details credited to seller. Note, links will not be actively managed/updated.

2/24/2023
2019 BMW M2:
The Last Best BMW in the Last Best Place

Listing: 2019 BMW M2 Comp
Make:
BMW
Model: M2 Competition
Year:
2019
Condition: Used
Mileage: 12,000
VIN: WBS2U7C5XK7D10224
Location: Kalispell, MT
Details: Many consider the outgoing M2 to be the last great BMW. That may be a bit melodramatic, but by all accounts it is a great BMW, and here's a nice'un in the Last Best Place, Montana...

Revolving Garage's Take: We could write reams about the direction of BMW over the last 10 years, but in short, it's kinda gone to shit. But there are definitely bright spots! And the F87 M2 (in M2, M2 Comp, and M2 CS flavors) is one of them. The M2 Competition seen here moves up in the M world with a "bespoke" M Division motor in the form of the S55, a turbo'd straight six with plenty of power, torque and lots of BMW flavor. That's not to say that the M2s mill, which was essentially an N55 that the M Division fettled for some more performance, is bad. It's just that there does seem to be something inherently right about an M car with an S motor. (Cue rebuttal reference to the 1M and it's N54). I digress, because there's more goodness than just the motor. There's a short wheelbase, rear wheel drive, and a 6 speed manual. It's all wrapped in pugnacious and broadly appealing body work. I'd like to own one of these someday.

And this one is for auction on Bring-a-Trailer. It's got absolutely terrible photos by BaT standards, but interested purchasers can see through that.  The seller seems earnest and engaged and these are comparatively cheap right now for a 400 hp, manual, rear drive screamer.  Good luck bidding!

Full listing: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2019-bmw-m2-competition-21/

2/21/2023
2022 Subaru WRX:
At What Price Does A Moth Become a Butterfly?

Listing: 2022 Subaru WRX Base
Make:
Subaru
Model: WRX 
Year:
2022
Condition: New
Mileage: Delivery
VIN: JF1VBAA69N9027392
Location: Bozeman, MT
Details: The new WRX is reviled by enthusiasts. A moth among cars.  Yet despite continued low inventory for new cars generally, unloved Rex's are piling up on dealer lots. Is there a deal to be had? At some price, might his moth become butterfly?

Revolving Garage's Take: It depends. If you are an enthusiast looking for a second or third fun car I don't think you should settle for this gen WRX under any circumstances. But if you are a budget conscious enthusiast looking for a do it all daily driver (and in a cold climate), I think that at some point this becomes a pretty good deal. Let's put some more meat on the contextual bone:

First, ignore the fact that moths don't become butterflies. This car looks like a moth to me, so I went with the analogy. Second, I haven't driven one yet. All I can go on are the looks, specs, and opinions of professional journalists and NASIOC jockeys (that's North American Subaru Impreza Ownership Club, i.e. the WRX Forum). But don't let my lack of firsthand experience dissuade you. People fucking hate this thing. Most journalists praise its drivability for the price point, but enthusiasts aren't dissuaded. It's ugly, no faster despite a completely redesigned engine, softer, and [audible gasp] there will be no STI version. Hardly the type of car you're going to wait a year for only to pay $15k over MSRP.

But wait, what if in this still crazy new car market there was a good car with lots of availability, and maybe even a little room to negotiate the price. Gallatin Subie has TEN (10!) of these in inventory. Admittedly that does not mean they aren't spoken for, but if you want to compare, check out any Porsche dealer's inventory. New cars are as hard to find these days as a clean STD test in a retirement home. This base is listed at $30k and you could have it in any color. What if you could get it at $28.5k in the color you want? Now we're talking about a new car with 270 horsepower from a 16 valve flat four, all wheel drive, and a good warranty for under 30 grands.  And you know the aftermarket will still help you add a bit of performance color to this.  If so, might this moth become a beautiful butterfly?

Full listing here: https://www.gallatinsubaru.com/new/Subaru/2022-Subaru-WRX-Bozeman-MT-074bf9ad0a0e081d2ffefb6a016d3304.htm

11/17/2022
4 AMG GTs in MT?

Listings: 2021 Mercedes AMG GT Black Series Coupes (4)
Make:
Mercedes
Model: AMG GT Black Series 
Year:
2021
Condition: Used
Mileage: From 25 to 426 miles
VIN: W1KYJ8BA3MA043094
Location: Billings, MT
Details: What the hell is Billings of MT up to? They've got not 1 but 4 $500k rear drive supercars on the lot right now. And BTW, winter is here in SW MT. It's going to be 15 below tonight and it snowed over a foot this week.

Revolving Garage's Take: It's hardly surprising to see a half million dollar supercar with Montana plates. There's no sales tax and no visual inspection for registration here, so it's a common tax dodge to start an MT LLC and register and tag your very expensive car here. What is surprising, is actually seeing a supercar in Montana, let alone 4 at one dealership. There are some very wealthy people with homes in this state, and there is some serious metal stashed away in their garages, but trust me when I say you just don't really see it. That's likely due to the fact that it's mid November and we've seen multiple nights at or below 0 degrees, and we've already had at least 18 inches of snow. The weather here is just not conducive to Michelin Cup 2s and rear drive for about 9 months of the year. Nevertheless, Mercedes of Billings has four (4!) AMG GT Black Series Coupes on their lot right now.  What the hell are they up to?  There are some interesting numbers associated with these used car listings:

They range in miles from 25 to 426, and each has a dealer markup of about $180,000. Yup, sticker prices are around $340,000, and asking prices are about $525,000. Merc of Bills is betting that they can move $2 million worth of supercars, with $720,000 in markup and a total of 2,880 horsepower in a state with 900,000 people. Oh, and they're also all on 16 total Cup 2 semi slick racing tires, but only 8 drive wheels, and are about a half inch off the ground. So forget driving them until next June. But really, I would suspect these are headed out of state? I'm genuinely interested to know how this dealership came to acquire these used cars, and what the business case for them is. And if you're sitting on a half mil and looking to park a car for the next 7 months, give Mercedes of Billings a call!

Full Listings Here: https://www.mbbillings.com/used-inventory/index.htm

2/21/2023 Update: Mercedes of Billings just ran a Bring-a-Trailer auction for the silver AMG GT Black that was one of the subjects listed above. Within about an hour of auction start it was pretty clear this was going to go sideways for seller. They hit just about every trigger imaginable for a BaT commenter: A dealer; speculating on a new/near new car; looking for markup; with shit photos.  In the end it topped out at $375,000.  With the traffic BaT gets and a car of this caliber it is my opinion that BaT is a pretty good belle weather for the state of the market.  I don't know how much MB Billings has into these four GTs, but this could be deep into write-off territory. Link.

9/30/2022
Slick Top, Crusty Bottom?

Listing: 1996 BMW 320i Touring
Make:
BMW
Model: 320i Touring 
Year: 
1996
Condition: Used
Mileage: 157,300 miles
VIN: WBACE51060EN65475
Location: Sun Valley, CA
Details: E36 Wagons are rare enough, but this one is Techno Violet, with a 5 sp., M body Kit, slick top and cloth inserts. So the on the topside it's all good news, but how's it look underneath? We ask 'cuz Germans like clean roads, and by clean, we mean salty.

It's been several months since our last post, and after being hounded by our viewer* for more content we are back with Pick of the Week! This one is in CA, but it's just so cool we had to discuss...

Revolving Garage's Take: This week we go techno with an offering that checks a lot of enthusiast boxes: Amazing Techno Violet color, cloth insert seats, a manual transmission, slick top (no sunroof), and it's an E36 Wagon! But while it shines up top, is that pure gold or pure rust on the bottom? The short answer is we don't know from the listing, but there are a few warning signs to check out: a commenter says he saw it in person and it's crustier than a French bakery; we know the Germans love clear roads and are notorious for copious amounts of salt and mag chloride; and this writer can speak from experience that not all that shines is gold. I recently looked hard at another euro sourced E36 wagon that was perfect up top, but had more corrosion than I was comfortable with underneath (at the lofty asking price, anyway). And after I Google Translated the German records, I found out that it failed three inspections for rust issues, including one note that said "Issue: Rust, floor board perforation." Yikes! (But to be fair, this wasn't a surprise as my razor sharp intellect had already located the German words korrosion and rost). But I can't tell you how mint the paint and interior looked.  To be clear, we don't know on this one, but our advice is to inspect carefully and in person in case the bidding goes all techno violet at the end.  With that said, this car is so cool that we would be more than willing to take some rust risk, or even rust certainty, but just know that the drapes may not match the curtains, if you know what I mean.

Full Listing Here: https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rkgpLYoN/1996-bmw-320i-touring

*Thanks Mom!

2/23/2022
Four Single Wheels Desperately Seeking Car

Listing: Speedline Mistral Wheels
Make:
Speedline
Model: Mistral
Year: 
dated 1991
Size: Staggered 17" x 7f/8r, ET11, 5x108
Seller: IWishIHadMoreVolvos
on Bring-a-Trailer
Location: Bozeman, MT
Details: These gorgeous and special wheels reportedly once adorned a '79 Ferrari 308, but more recently a demonic looking Volvo 740. Many potential applications
Asking Price: Auction

Slider Photo 1 credit to Hunter Dreier 

Revolving Garage's Take: These are gorgeous and sought after Speedline wheels that were reportedly custom made for a 1979 Ferrari 308 (wheels manufactured in 1991).  This bolt pattern and offset (5x108 and ET11, respectively) will fit a variety of different marques, according to seller. We have personally seen them on what we assume to be seller's absolutely demonic looking modified Volvo 740, where they looked every bit a gorgeous OE wheel.  Do your research and find out if this sizing will work for you, and then bid with confidence. Find these wheels a car!

Full Listing Here: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/speedline-mistral/

12/17/2021
American Muscle in an Italian Suit

Listing: 1972 DeTomaso Pantera
Make:
DeTomaso
Model: Pantera
Year: 1972

Condition:
Used
Mileage:
TMU
VIN: THPNMB02420 (chassis no.)
Seller: dennisfranks on Bring-a-Trailer
Location: Bozeman, MT
Details: Italian styling with American V8 power and a German transmission, it's the best of a 1970s automotive buffet. This one has a new Ford 427 and ZF trans, a repaint, and appears to have seen much love and attention in seller's tenure.
Asking Price: Auction

Slider Photo 1 credit to Hunter Dreier 

Revolving Garage's Take: This car is located in Bozeman, but will draw national attention through the broad reach of the Bring-a-Trailer auction platform. The auction closes on December 18, 2021. These cars are defined by their constellation of parts: Italian body work and chassis, American V8 engine (replacement Ford 427  Windsor in this one), and German ZF 5 speed gearbox. Interestingly, they were initially imported and sold through Lincoln/Mercury dealers here in the US. It must have been quite a shock to see these sitting next to the huge body on frame offerings from Detroit at the time. A quick peruse through the comment section shows a knowledgeable seller who has built a beautiful example. We have, in fact, seen this car in person several times, and it truly wows. The engine is like jewelry... if jewelry could rumble and roar like a big block V8. The next owner should be thrilled.

Full Listing Here: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-detomaso-pantera-64/

12/19/2021 Update: This auction did not meet reserve at $101,000 (with an added 5% commission to BaT to factor in as well).  If you are interested in this vehicle contact us through the website and we can put you in touch with the owner.

11/3/2021
The Subtle Peacock:
2015 Chevy SS in Regal Peacock Green

Listing: 2015 Chevy SS
Make:
Chevrolet
Model: SS
Year: 
2015
Condition:
Used
Mileage: 
33,322
VIN: 6G3F15RW6FL105308
Seller: Ressler Motors Bozeman (Dealer)
Location: Bozeman, MT
Details: The lynch pin here is a 6.2L LS3 under the hood making 415hp/tq. That beastly motor is sheathed in some of the most subtle styling ever to grace a super saloon, but in an ironic twist, in Regal Peacock Green color. I love it.
Asking Price: $42,990

Slider Photo 1 credit to Hunter Dreier 

Revolving Garage's Take: Enthusiasts have long been drawn to the Q-Ship: a four door sedan with big performance and subtle styling. The Chevy SS took the Q-Ship mission to heart, taking a honking 6.2L LS3 V8 making 400+ hp and tq that can hit 60 mph in the 4 second range, and wrapping it in some of the most bland and inoffensive styling ever to come out of Detroit.  And from a city that spawned the (modern) Chevy Malibu, that is saying something. But as unobtrusive as the styling is, it's also attractive to the eye and well proportioned. It has a purposefulness that is unspoken, in contrast to the latest BMW "M" cars and Audi RS's which are all 'roided up with swole arches, flaring nostrils, and oversized wheels. And in fact, this car didn't come out of Detroit at all. It is essentially a rebadged Holden Commodore, which was a V8 saloon sold in the Australian market until it was killed off in 2017.

This particular example appears to be a well cared for lifetime Montana car that presents in as new condition.  A quick cruise through Bring-a-Trailer and other listings shows the pricing is not unreasonable. Unfortunately this does not have the optional six speed manual. But it may that the slushy box better fits the overall character and mission of this car anyway. Perhaps the most magnificent part of this car is the color. In what was likely the closest the the Chevy Online Configurator has ever come to irony, this utterly subtle (forgettable?) styling was paired with Regal Peacock Green metallic paint. A vibrant emerald green named for the showiest of all of nature's creatures. We love this unexpected twist ending to the listing. It's a shame that the selling dealer failed so miserably at showing off the great color (we included one pic from a professional photographer to give you a taste of what it would be like to see this bird strut down Main Street.) But nevertheless, a very cool car the like of which the world will never see new again.

Full Listing Here: https://www.resslermotors.com/used/Chevrolet/2015-Chevrolet-SS-082040c90a0e09b0079fc7116b5a9d9a.htm#  

9/8/2021
A Tiny Island of Value in a Great Sea of Bloated Pricing:
'73 Triumph TR6

Listing: 1973 Triumph TR6
Make:
Triumph
Model: TR6
Year:
1973
Condition:
Used
Mileage:
45,905
VIN: not provided
Seller:
Private Party via Craigslist
Location: Gardiner, MT
Details: Anyone following enthusiast cars right now is witness to a continually rising tide of prices. But the Small British sports Car is one segment that has avoided this staggering inflation. Perhaps an island of sanity among a whole market of crazy.
Asking Price: $10,000

Revolving Garage's Take: The year 1973, or the entire decade that year resides in, will not go down as one of automotive history's golden eras, to say the least. However, there were a few gems. And one bright spot during that era were a few holdover Small British sports Cars (SBC) that hauled their 1940's technology into the disco era, willing or not.  While dated at the time, the ancient tech in these cars (that had only lost their cycle fenders a few years before) made them appealing in the '70s and keeps the cost down now.  Traditional collector car wisdom says buy cars that 30 and 40 year olds craved in their youth, as they will soon be scouring the classifieds with some disposable income. By that logic, the era of the SBC has long passed.  Tomorrow's collector wasn't yet born when this car was new, and their parents weren't yet born when many of these cars were designed.  But if the listing holds true and this is a reliable and rust free example (knowing the reputation of these cars, I would trust, but verify), then for likely less than $10k this a whole lot of motoring fun.

Full listing link here:  https://bozeman.craigslist.org/cto/d/emigrant-1973-triumph-tr6/7376936155.html

8/18/2021
Carryall of The Things:
'58 Chevy 'Burb "Carryall" w/ NAPCO 4x4

Listing: 1958 Chevy Carryall NAPCO 4x4
Make:
Chevrolet
Model: Apache Suburban Carryall
Year: 
1958
Condition:
Used
Mileage:
TMU
VIN:3A58W102307
Seller:
Private Party via Bring-A-Trailer
Location: Bozeman, MT
Details: Old 'Burbs are about the coolest thing out there. Add a NAPCO 4x4, a great color scheme, and no rust, and your auction will ring the bell like Quasimoto
Asking Price: Auction

Revolving Garage's Take: Here in Bozeman we've become numb to seeing huge, full size 'utes and pickup trucks, and even the most generic SUV has all wheel drive. But in 1958, 4x4 was rare even amongst pickups, and the SUV was still 30 years away from the vehicular lexicon. This mint green monster must have been quite a site rumbling through some sleepy western town. 60+ years late and it's still turning heads.  What a great combo with the mint green and white two tone, and the tall, skinny and yet purposeful off road tires fitted to the NAPCO conversions are both iconic and refreshing to the eye after a steady diet of bro-dozers with 13inch width meat poking out from some tacked on Autozone fender flares. All early 'burbs are cool, but this one ticks all the boxes, and we think it ring the bell at auction.

Full listing link here:  https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1958-chevrolet-apache-31-carry-all-4wd/

7/12/2021
A Revo Rig: 1997 BMW M3 Sedan

Listing: 1997 BMW M3 Sedan
Make:
BMW
Model: M3 (E36)
Year:
1997
Condition:
Used
Mileage:
196.5k
VIN: WBSCD9324VEE06713
Seller:
Private Party via Cars & Bids
Location: Bozeman, MT
Details: One of the owners of Revo Garage's E36 M3 is up for auction on Cars & Bids. Please check it out, comment, and bid!
Asking Price: Auction

Revolving Garage

Revolving Garage's Take: In the words of auctioneer D. Demuro.... THIS is the 1997 BMW M3 sedan. In the words the owner, me, THIS is my beloved E36 M3 sedan. It has 196k well driven miles. I added just north of 14k miles in the three years of ownership. Honestly, if I had one more garage space, this car would not be for sale.

The BMW 3-series, in general, is looks its best in the form it was first sketched - a sedan. The unsung hero E36 M3 holds true to this. The sedan is the best. The connected way in which this car drives puzzles me in the same way I am astonished that we landed on the moon, "how did they do this back then?" The S52 is gem, the manual transmission gets you in the game, and the suspension tuning from BMW is somehow both compliant yet incredible responsive.

Swing on over to the Cars & Bids auction to bid!

6/14/2021
Home Grown Auction: 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo

The Details

Listing: 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo
Make:
Porsche
Model: 911 Turbo (996)
Year:
2001
Condition:
Used
Mileage: ~
63.5k
VIN: WP0AB29981S685446
Seller:
Private Party via Bring-a-Trailer
Location: Bozeman, MT
Details: One of the owners of Revo Garage's 996 Turbo is up for auction on Bring-a-Trailer. Please check it out, comment, and bid!
Asking Price: Auction

Revolving Garage's Take: Well, since this is the author's car, the following take will have all of the objectivity and journalistic integrity of a mom reviewing her preschooler's art work. But seriously, this is a damn fine car. At least my mom tells me so.

Better yet, I'll let the listing do the talking on this one. But I will say that I have loved every minute of ownership of this car, and if I had the space and the time to enjoy it I would keep it in a heart beat. I sincerely hope the next owner appreciates it and enjoys it as much as I have! Check out the auction link and all the details provided by BaT (and comments, some of which are insightful, some less so, but many are entertaining).

Full Listing Link:  https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2001-porsche-911-turbo-137/

5/19/2021
Ohhhh, the Possibilities: '94 Chevy Step Van

The Details

Listing: 1994 Chevy Step Van
Make:
Chevrolet
Model: P30?
Year:
1994
Condition:
Used
Mileage:
290,000
VIN: Not provided
Seller:
Private Party via Craigslist
Location: Bozeman, MT
Details: Dreaming about what we'd do with a beautiful automotive canvas like this is a favorite pastime. What would you do?
Asking Price: $6,000

Revolving Garage's Take: Unlike our last feature, this seller offers what promises to be a friendly and inviting buying experience. He says, "Feel free to ask questions." We like that much better than last week's "don't ask me if it's still for sale." (We're still trying to figure out if that Focus RS is still for sale, but apparently we're not supposed to ask.)

Nevertheless, there is still some basic info missing that we'd like to know: The Vortec heads came in '96, we'd want to square that with the current listing's '94 model year. Knowing a bit about the condition of the trans would be helpful. Also, Chevy made these P30 vans in several different cargo capacities, from 1/2 ton to 2-ton. We'd like to know which this is.

In any event, daydreaming about what we'd do with a van like this a favorite pastime of ours. A ski van for winter that converts to a bike van for summer, with all the gear, tools, and maintenance equipment you need is a top contender for us. Or maybe a mobile automotive tool shed. While the convenience of a friends car lift is tempting, then you don't have your tools at hand. Being able to roll wherever you please with many of your tools on hand, and out of the garage, sounds mighty appealing. Or a Bon Mi truck.

What would you do?

Full Listing Link: https://bozeman.craigslist.org/cto/d/bozeman-1994-chevy-step-van/7323011979.html

4/22/2021
Out of Focus: 2016 Ford Focus RS

The Details

Listing: Ford Focus RS
Make:
 Ford
Model: Focus RS
Year:
2016
Condition:
Used
Mileage:
8,300
VIN: Not provided
Seller:
Private Party via Craigslist
Location: Helena, MT
Details: Cool car, low miles, proper maintenance. We'd like to own it, but the listing has more yellow flags than a Raiders game.
Asking Price: $38,000

Revolving Garage's Take: Selling a car yourself is never easy. You know what's even harder? Selling a car your "not even sure you want to sell." To be clear, this looks like a sweet hot hatch that's been well cared for by a proud owner. If you're into it we absolutely encourage you to contact the owner. (Just don't ask if it is still for sale). With that, there is so much wrong with the way this car is marketed we thought it was a great example of how NOT to create a listing.

Sellers, starting your listing with "testing the waters," "don't need to sell" or "may just keep it" is another way of saying "just seeing if someone will overpay." We get the concept of seeing whether you can get your number, but here's how we do it: you don't need to say anything. Just don't sell it for less than you want. If we have a hard number in mind, we let any inquiring buyer know that info upfront when we talk: "Hello there, thanks for the interest. Before you come out I'd like to let you know I think this is a fair number and I'm not interested in taking less."

Another common mistake we see are draconian limits on when you'll show it, how you'll show it, or how you'll allow a test drive. At best the tone is off putting, at worst you create some serious liability questions. This seller requires someone to show up with $38,000 in cash in order to take a test drive. That's like a large backpack full of cash. It's totally unreasonable and should put off any potential buyer. How does this even work? Does the seller hold your cash while you drive and then deduct any damage? Do you forfeit it if someone side swipes you at not fault of your own? What about a rock chip? How does insurance contribute? This is just a bad idea all around.  Here's how we do it: we don't offer test drives to everyone. We feel out the buyer, and if we're comfortable, ask for a copy of the driver's license and proof of insurance (by phone pic). If the worst happens, you can sort it out without arguments over bags of cash. Better yet, the insurers will figure it out.

Here's a head scratcher: "Don't ask me it it is still for sale." What? Well, how do I know if it's still for sale? Also, why not? Isn't that like, the most important question to ask? That is absolutely the first thing out of our mouth every time we make an inquiry on a car: "Good morning, is the 2016 XYZ still for sale? Great, I'm interested and have a few questions..."

Pictures sell cars. You don't have to take pro photos, but you do have to actually show the car, and the interior. Take clear pictures of at least all four sides from a perpendicular angle, the interior, and the engine bay. Finally, include the VIN. It's not secret, it's posted in a visible place on your car. A listing without a VIN is a red flag to a knowledgeable buyer.

To be fair, there are few good things going on here too: info on maintenance, upfront discussion of a known flaw (the head gasket), discussion of any extras, clean title, status of mods, and a clear price. That's all helpful info.

This is a very cool car, in the best color, being sold by a passionate owner. If you like it, check out the listing and see if you can make a deal, and otherwise, use it as a chance to see how not to sell your car. But then again, maybe seller "doesn't even want to sell?" Good luck.

Full Listing Link:  https://bozeman.craigslist.org/cto/d/helena-2016-ford-focus-rs/7310171044.html

4/6/2021
Bozeman Essentials: 2005 Lexus GX 470

The Details

Listing Link: Lexus GX 470
Make: Lexus
Model: GX 470
Year:
2005
Condition:
Used
Mileage:
121,000
VIN: Not provided
Seller:
Private Party via Craigslist
Location: Bozeman, MT
Details: 7 passenger; 270 hp 4.7L V8; 5sp Auto; Full time 4WD w/ low range; Bronzed like a Malibu tennis instructor.
Asking Price: $13,000

Revolving Garage's Take: The first gen GX is an interesting offering from Lexus as it does not have a Toyota doppelganger that is sold here in the U.S. It is in fact based on the "Prado" SUV sold in Europe and the rest of the world, but not here. Why do we like it? It solves many frustrating problems posed by SUVs in the Toyota lineup: It is just slightly bigger than the 4Runner which is really too small for it's optional third row, it has a thoroughly more potent and modern engine than the boat anchor V6 that powers then 4Runner, while at the same time it has better dimensions for off-roading than the huge Land Cruiser with reasonable width and better approach and departure angles, and a more sane price point. It's a goldilocks.

The 2005 is an excellent choice among GXs as it has a more potent 270hp V8 than earlier models, achieved via variable valve timing. Unfortunately Toyota went and ruined it with the second gen, only releasing the facelifted variant here, which included the "predator face" grill (I think Toyota's chosen nomenclature is "spindle," but let's be honest, that face would be more appropriate in a Central American jungle hunting Dutch, Poncho, Billy, Mac, Blain and Hawkins than trolling the trails of Bozangeles).

This SUV offers Toyota reliability, Lexus comfort, legit off road performance, and seating for 7. I have no idea if it is a popular in other mountain towns, but it has absolutely become a Bozeman Essential. And fairly so.

Offered for sale by private party in Bozeman, MT.
Full link to listing: https://bozeman.craigslist.org/cto/d/bozeman-lexus-gx-470/7301825414.html

3/30/2021
Stored From New: 2017 Honda Civic Type R

The Details

Listing Link: Underriner Motors
Make:
 Honda
Model: Civic Type R
Year:
2017
Condition:
Used
Mileage:
212
VIN: SHHFK8G73HU200954
Seller:
Underriner Motors (Honda)
Location: Billings, MT
Details: 2.0L/306 hp/295 lbft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4; 6 speed manual; front wheel drive; Navigation; All of the wings.
Asking Price: $38,900

Revolving Garage's Take: The Civic Type R is the hot hatch variant of the tried and true commuter mule known as the Civic. Mule may be unfair, even base Civics are pretty fun to drive. And with 300hp/tq, a totally redesigned chassis, and a delightful manual trans the Civic Type R is a rocket ship with driving performance that has pleased just about anyone who's driven one in anger.  The looks... that's a more divisive subject. But kudos to Honda for being bold. I think. But the real story here is mileage. This one was apparently tucked away with a touch more than delivery mileage three years ago. I'd love to know the story. These plays rarely work out as investments for the seller, but with reports of significant ADM (dealer markups) on brand new ones, this may be a way to fill your life with downforce and suede for a fair price. The listing claims a "retail price" of $46,995, and an offered price discounted to $38,900.  I have no idea where they got that retail price which is far in excess of both the the MSRP when new and present NADA value. But the real metric here is, what would it take to get one in your garage right now? Call your dealer and see what they want for a brand new one, and this price may seem pretty reasonable.

Offered for sale by Underriner Honda in Billings, MT.
Full link to listing:  https://www.underrinermotors.com/inventory/used-2017-honda-civic-type-r-touring-fwd-4d-hatchback-shhfk8g73hu200954 

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