Pick a Dependable Used Vehicle at Thelen Auto Group
Are you looking for a vehicle that is dependable and fun to drive, while also meeting all your budgetary and personal needs? The diversity of options available at the Thelen Auto Group series of dealerships in Bay City, MI, allows us to help you find a dream SUV, van, truck, or car that you’ll love cruising around Michigan in. However, an important thing to consider when searching for your next vehicle purchase is what exactly your needs and preferences are. Do you need a specific style of vehicle or have a dedicated budget you can’t exceed? If you know what you’re looking for in your next pre-owned vehicle purchase, finding your next vehicle will be much easier.
What Should You Consider While Shopping for Your Next PreOwned Vehicle?
- Body Style & Size Requirements – How much space you need for your daily tasks will help you decide which body style may meet your needs most effectively. For example, you might enjoy the sportiness of a sedan or the extra functionality of a crossover SUV. If you find yourself needing plenty of passenger space to travel with family and friends around mid-Michigan, a larger SUV or minivan might be more suitable for your situation. Find yourself doing lots of towing and hauling heavy items or trailers? Consider a pre-owned pickup truck!
- Budget – Knowing what you have available to spend on your next vehicle helps you and the sales representative narrow down the options available. We want to make sure you are confidently incorporating your vehicle purchase seamlessly into your budget. As such, we will make sure to find an option that caters to your budget while still meeting as many of your preferences and needs as possible.
- Desired Features – What are the things you want most in your next vehicle? Do you prefer having the latest in comfort and infotainment technology? Are you more concerned about the safety features that your next vehicle has? Before you visit our mid-Michigan series of dealerships to start shopping, make a list of what amenities and safety features are most important to you. This will ensure that we are finding you the type of vehicle that you’ll love to drive the most.
(Photo Credit: PEXELS)
Shopping On a Budget at Thelen Auto Group
Did you know that Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, offers a “Vehicles Under $15K” lot where you can find a quality preowned vehicle on a budget? Now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a new-to-you vehicle! Our expert sales team will help you find the best vehicle for your situation, budget, and credit score! Schedule a test drive at 989-414-2711 for any of the following options, or any of the others on our Mid-Michigan lot, convenient to Saginaw, Midland, and Mt Pleasant.
Available Budget-Friendly Vehicles at Thelen Auto Group
- 2016 Volkswagen Passat S – A sleek, fuel-efficient option perfect for any driver. This Passat is equipped with a 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic to get an EPA-estimated 25 MPG city/38 MPG highway fuel economy. This spacious five-seater is also packed with great features like Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and keyless entry.
- 2019 Chevrolet Spark 1LT – A fun little hatchback in an attractive Mosaic Black coloring with a stylish black and gray combo interior. This Spark is equipped with a 1.4L 4-cylinder engine to get this front-wheel-drive option an EPA-estimated 30 MPG city/38 MPG highway fuel economy. This vehicle is equipped with tons of great features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and heated side door mirrors.
- 2019 Subaru Impreza 2.0i – A great option for the upcoming winter season, this Impreza offers an impressive AWD system. It is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine to get an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city/36 MPG highway fuel economy. This hatchback offers great features like the STARLINK 6.5″ Multimedia System, HVAC underseat ducts, and a low tire pressure warning system.
Why Buy a PreOwned?
Are you split on whether to purchase a brand-new or gently used vehicle? That is a big decision and takes a lot of thought regarding aspects such as budgeting, desired vehicle availability, and even warranties. Though used cars may not come with long warranties or that new car smell, there are many benefits to purchasing a used vehicle. Here are a few reasons why choosing a preowned car might be better for you.
Reasons to Buy a PreOwned Vehicle
- You Save More In the Long Term – When you purchase a used vehicle, you are usually paying less on purchase, for car insurance, for taxes, and annual license plate fees (depending on your vehicle). If you are more budget-conscious, you can usually save a lot of money with a preowned option.
- Easily Accessible Vehicle History Report – Preowned vehicles can easily be tracked with a vehicle history report. This will be able to find out if a vehicle has been in any accidents, and if some of the service records are available. This will help you determine if a used vehicle is a good choice for you.
- Cars Last Longer – In general, most recent model vehicles are built to last. Therefore, even if you purchase a used vehicle, you are likely to still be driving that same vehicle years from now.
- Great Variety – There are plenty of options to choose from when searching for used. Buying a used vehicle might allow you to purchase a more deluxe model than you might comfortably afford if new.
Shop for a Quality PreOwned at Thelen Auto Group
When you are ready to start your used vehicle shopping, Think Thelen and choose Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan! We offer a variety of preowned cars, trucks, and SUVs to suit any budget, work with almost any credit score, and find a fit for any family. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we can assist you in finding it. Schedule your test drive today!
(Photo Credit: iStock)
Why Should I Choose a Sedan?
Choosing a sedan offers several advantages, including usually better fuel economy, faster acceleration, easier driving dynamics, and a more comfortable driving experience. Sedans are lighter and more aerodynamic, which contributes to better fuel efficiency. They also provide a lower driving position, making them easier to handle and enjoyable to drive. A preowned sedan specifically will typically mean a lower initial price, a lower overall price, and cheaper insurance. Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, offers a great variety of gently used sedans in a variety of makes and models. Stop into our mid-MI dealerships to take a test drive today!
Currently Available Sedans at Thelen Auto Group
- 2022 Volkswagen Passat – This clean vehicle history report sedan is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to get an EPA-estimated 24 MPG city/36 MPG highway fuel economy. This Pure White Limited Edition option is packed full of great features for any driver, like Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Monitoring.
- 2023 Toyota Camry XLE – A one-owner hybrid option in an eye-catching Reservoir Blue color. Equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine, this front-wheel drive will get you an impressive EPA-estimated 44 MPG city/47 MPG highway fuel economy. This spacious five-seater is equipped with many great features like a power sunroof, a rearview camera, ventilated front seats, and rear cross-traffic braking.
- 2024 Honda Civic LX – A Certified PreOwned option backed by warranties and roadside assistance. This Rallye Red sedan is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Any driver will enjoy the features in this Civic – keyless entry and keyless ignition, Adaptive Cruise Control, low tire pressure warning, and Lane Departure Warning, being just some of them.
Is It Time for a New Battery?
Now that it’s getting to be the colder months, finding yourself on the side of the road with a dead battery wouldn’t be a fun experience. We know that determining when to replace your vehicle’s battery isn’t always a clear-cut answer, so below we will review some signs that it might be time to get this service done.
The Main Signs of a Weak or Bad Battery
- Vehicle Not Starting – This seems like an obvious sign of a bad battery, but other issues can present themselves as your vehicle not starting. Generally, your vehicle will make a clicking noise, and the dashboard lights may flash when you turn the key. If this happens, you will have to jump-start your car and bring it somewhere to have the battery either charged or replaced.
- Slow Starting – On the other hand, if your vehicle is slow to start, it could be a sign of a weak battery, too. A dying battery doesn’t provide enough voltage to power the engine for constant rotation. If the vehicle does eventually catch, your alternator will charge as you’re driving, but it should still be checked.
- Dim Headlights – When you start your vehicle, if you notice your headlights getting very bright and then dimming, or if your headlights never brighten up, it may be a sign of a dying battery. Ensure your bulbs aren’t dying instead, but either way, bring your vehicle in to have it checked out.
- Illuminated Lights on the Dashboard – Some vehicles will alert you to a dying battery through dashboard lights. This is one of the easiest indicators of a bad battery, but it depends on your vehicle!
Schedule a Service Appointment in Michigan Today
If any of these indicators sound familiar to your vehicle’s situation, be sure to schedule a service appointment with Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan. Our expert service technicians can assist you in diagnosing what is wrong with your battery and if it’s a good time to replace it. Give us a call at 989-667-3321 to schedule an appointment today.
(Photo Credit: PEXELS)
Get Quality Service at the Thelen Auto Group
With colder weather approaching in mid-Michigan, now is the perfect time to get your favorite family cruiser ready for the potentially icy conditions and slippery roads we will face. The Thelen Auto Group family of dealerships in Bay City is home to several individual dealerships dedicated to working effectively on a wide variety of makes and models. We make getting your vehicle properly prepared for the changing conditions in the Great Lakes Bay Region a hassle-free process thanks to our friendly and knowledgeable Service Center staff. Contact our main Service line by calling 989-667-3321 to speak with a representative about scheduling an appointment!
The Recommended Services We Suggest for Cold Weather Driving
- Battery Testing and/or Replacement – Colder weather is harder on your vehicle’s battery than any other weather you will experience throughout the year in Michigan. As such, having confidence that your battery will be able to start your vehicle in the more brutal conditions is ideal. We are more than happy to test your current battery and determine if you will need a replacement or not. If we find that you could use a new battery for more consistency, we will make sure to supply you with a quality option.
- Winter Tires – Specialized winter tires are a great addition to your vehicle for peak all-around maneuverability when the roads become covered in snow and ice. Compared to traditional all-season tires, the deeper tread and their specialized designs maximize the amount of snow that is displaced to achieve even greater grip on the road underneath the snow. We recommend that if you want to have the best winter driving experience possible, speak with our service technicians about finding you a quality set for your vehicle.
- Fluid Changes – From oil to brake fluid, having proper levels of your vehicle’s various fluids will maximize the efficiency and dependability of your vehicle when the weather gets very cold. If you haven’t had your various vehicle fluids serviced recently, we recommend taking the time to have them tested and/or replaced so that you can go throughout the winter with full confidence that your vehicle is well-equipped for the changing driving landscape that you are about to experience.
Why Choose a Hatchback?
You should get a hatchback for its flexible, integrated cargo space that is more versatile than a traditional sedan’s trunk, its compact yet practical size for city driving, and often sporty or versatile design options. Hatchbacks offer a larger, more accessible opening for hauling bulky or awkwardly shaped items and provide better rear visibility and maneuverability in urban environments. At Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, we have a revolving selection of preowned hatchbacks on our inventory lot. Below, we will go over some of our top picks currently available at our mid-MI dealership. Think Thelen and schedule a test drive today!
Available PreOwned Hatchbacks at Thelen Auto Group
- 2020 Audi A5 Sportback Premium Plus – A Navarra Blue Metallic hatchback equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission to get an EPA-estimated 24 MPG city/32 MPG highway fuel economy. This luxurious Audi is equipped with plenty of great features for any driver, like a heated steering wheel, a power sunroof, a rearview camera, and keyless entry.
- 2022 Honda Civic EX-L – A fuel-efficient and affordable hatchback option for younger drivers. This one-owner, clean vehicle history option is equipped with a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine to get an EPA-estimated 31 MPG city/39 MPG highway fuel economy. An attractive Meteorite Gray Metallic option with great features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, lane keeping assist, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and adaptive cruise control.
- 2023 Kia Soul LX – An eye-catching Gravity Gray hatchback that is not only spacious but packed full of amazing features. It is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine to get an EPA-estimated 29 MPG city/35 MPG highway fuel economy. This eco-friendly option offers features like Bluetooth connectivity, lane departure warning, low tire pressure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
Headache Free Collision Repair in Michigan
In the aftermath of a vehicle collision, getting your vehicle back to pre-accident condition can seem like a daunting and stressful situation. Going through collision repair includes multiple steps from assessment and estimation to the actual repair, and finally to the repainting. At Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, we understand that losing the use of your vehicle is more than just a minor inconvenience. So, we make it our priority to get through a repair efficiently to get you back on the road quickly. You can depend on our expert technicians to repair your vehicle with quality parts in our state-of-the-art Mid-Michigan facility!
What We Offer With Collision Repair at Thelen
- Professional Estimates – We have experienced estimators to give you a fair and accurate estimate. Plus, they will describe the repair process for you to understand what will go into the process. We also accept tow-ins!
- Quality Repairs – We promise that your vehicle will be returned to the manufacturer’s specifications of safety and quality, thanks to our amazing service team. No matter how large the damage, you can count on us to meet and exceed your expectations.
- Painting Services – We have a state-of-the-art down-draft painting booth that will improve and increase the durability of the paint job by five to ten years. Your vehicle will then go through a special baking process for a long-lasting finish – this is even backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty!
Think Thelen and Schedule Your Appointment Today
Our Michigan team of experienced estimators and auto body technicians will work hard to return your vehicle to you promptly. We will work closely with your insurance company to move the process along smoothly with no hassle for you. Don’t have a car to drive while yours is in the shop? Please call (989) 922-7270 to schedule a loaner, which has limited availability. Experience why drivers from the Great Lakes Bay Region, including Midland, Saginaw, and Gladwin, trust their vehicle collision repair needs to the Thelen Auto Group Body Shop.
Why Should I Rotate and Balance My Tires?
Keeping your tires in tip-top shape is important for long-term wear. Getting your tires balanced and rotated aids in longevity and serves a critical role in your safety while driving. Below, we will go over why each is important and when we recommend you have these services done.
The Importance of Rotating and Balancing
- Rotation – The act of rotating your tires is moving your tires to different positions than where they have been for an amount of time. This will help to ensure even tire wear because each tire wears differently based on which position it has been in. This also allows for less stress on your tires overall and can even improve your fuel economy. We recommend having your tires rotated every 5,000 miles.
- Balancing – Tire balancing means properly distributing weights on your tires to ensure balance. Various factors, like uneven tire pressure or road conditions, can throw off the weight distribution of your wheels. You can tell if your tires need balancing if you experience shaky driving or annoying vibrations. We recommend getting them done if you notice these problems while driving. You can expect a better driving experience when you have your tires balanced!
Schedule Your Service Appointment at Thelen Auto Group
If it’s time to have your tires rotated or balanced, be sure to schedule your service appointment with Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan. We can perform services on any make and model of vehicle, so Think Thelen for your tire needs in Mid-Michigan!
(Photo Credit: PEXELS)
A Great PreOwned SUV Selection at Thelen Auto Group
Choose from the super selection of gently pre-owned SUV inventory at Thelen Auto Group dealerships in Bay City, Michigan. We offer a variety of makes and models so you can find the vehicle with the performance, features, and value to fit your specific Mid-Michigan driving needs. Don’t see exactly what you are looking for? Use our convenient Find My Car feature and let us find your perfect vehicle! Think Thelen and schedule your test drive with us today.
Gently Used SUVs Available at Thelen Auto Group
- 2022 Volkswagen Taos SE – A one-owner, clean history, five-seater SUV ready for any drive. It is equipped with a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine and paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission to get an EPA-estimated 25 MPG city/32 MPG highway fuel economy. This Dusk Blue Metallic AWD option is packed full of great features for any driver. Some include a WiFi hotspot, remote start, push-button start, and a heated steering wheel.
- 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT – An attractive Iron Gray Metallic five-seater equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission to get an EPA-estimated 22 MPG city/27 MPG highway fuel economy. Enjoy this packed AWD’s features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, parking assist, a rearview camera, and Lane Departure Warning.
- 2023 Hyundai Tucson SEL – A spacious Phantom Black AWD SUV that holds up to five people comfortably. It is equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission to get an EPA-estimated 23 MPG city/28 MPG highway fuel economy. It is equipped with plenty of autumn-ready features, too, like heated seats, a power liftgate, keyless entry, and automatic high beam headlights.
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