Make The Most of Your Fuel Economy
Did you know that how you drive directly affects your fuel economy and how quickly your gas tank drains? To stretch your fuel budget, it’s important to be mindful of the best ways to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy. Below are some tips we recommend for driving to promote better fuel efficiency.
How Can I Drive More Efficiently and Save Money at the Gas Pump?
- Adjust How You Drive – You can get the most out of your vehicle’s fuel economy by adjusting how you drive. Aggressive driving, like speeding, braking suddenly, and rapid acceleration, all negatively affect your gas mileage. Sensible driving is not only safer, but it can improve your fuel economy especially if you stick to speed limits.
- Reduce the Drag – If you are traveling, try to avoid putting items on your roof’s top rack. At highway speeds, this can cause drag against the wind. That means your engine is working harder AND using more fuel.
- Combine or Reduce Trips – One very easy way to reduce fuel usage and save money is by combining your trips, when possible. This is also a great time-saver! Further reduce your driving by walking, carpooling or just staying home!
Services You Can Do to Improve Fuel Economy
There are also a few tips and tricks for improving fuel economy by bringing your vehicle into the service center. If your check engine light is on, it is important to get that checked out. Things like a bad oxygen sensor or ignition coil can directly affect the efficiency of your vehicle. Having your engine filters and air filters changed so they are working efficiently can also improve your fuel economy and the quality of your cabin air. We also advise having your tires properly inflated to the recommended air pressure. Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, can assist you in servicing most models of vehicles. Go through our service appointment scheduler to select which vehicle brand you need serviced.
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Happy Labor Day!
Happy Labor Day from Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan! We will be closed August 30th through September 1st to give our staff extended time off to enjoy the holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd with sales open from 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and our service department open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. We hope you have a safe and fun holiday weekend!
Finance Your Next PreOwned Vehicle at Thelen Auto Group
When you’re going through the financing process, keeping it simple and stress-free is important. At Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, our finance department will work hard to ensure we exceed your expectations! Our knowledgeable and friendly finance managers work with people all over Mid-Michigan to make sure you get the right vehicle loan at the most competitive rates and terms available. Do you have OK or bad credit? Not to worry – we can help you too! We have programs that can help get you into a vehicle and rebuild your credit. Below is a look at some of our helpful tools on our website to get the process started from the comfort of your own home! Give us a call at 989-414-2711 with any questions you may have.
Helpful Financial Tools at Thelen Auto Group
- Get Pre-Approved Today! – We offer an easy-to-fill-out pre-approval application. Just click which of our dealerships the vehicle you’re interested in is at and fill out this form. Then we will get back to you once you’ve filled it out and assist you further!
- Value Your Trade-In – See the market value of your vehicle today! If you are planning on trading in a vehicle at the time of purchase, this is a great way to see how much it might be worth. In two steps and about 10 seconds, you can get an estimate.
- Payment Calculator – Estimate your monthly payment and your buying power with this helpful calculator! You can adjust terms and interest rates to be able to get an idea of how much vehicle you can comfortably afford.
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What is a Good Back-to-School Vehicle for My Child?
With kids going back to school soon, now is the perfect time to shop for a safe and reliable vehicle for them to drive. Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, offers a wide variety of gently used makes and models that are perfect for any driver. Be sure to stop into our dealership to view our inventory and take one for a test drive! Below, we will outline some key considerations to keep in mind when initiating the shopping process.
What Should I Look For in a Back-to-School Vehicle?
- SUVs – Top-rated SUVs are both family-friendly and provide ample space for students and their families. Thelen Auto Group currently has a great variety of preowned SUVs, including this 2025 Subaru Outback Premium with low mileage and a list of incredible amenities like a rearview camera, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity, and keyless entry.
- Hatchbacks – While not known for their spacious interiors, hatchbacks are perfect for students who don’t want a larger vehicle but appreciate great fuel efficiency. We currently have this 2024 Kia Soul LX, which would turn heads at any school. It is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine to get an EPA-estimated 29 MPG city/35 MPG highway fuel economy. Plus, it’s a one-owner with a clean vehicle history report!
- Range of Safety Features – We recommend looking for a vehicle with a range of advanced safety technologies and high safety ratings to ensure a safe drive for younger drivers. Whether you’re looking for a sedan, a hatchback, or an SUV, we offer a variety of preowned vehicles to choose from that offer high safety standards and a great selection of safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, rearview camera, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
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Is It Time to Replace My Vehicle or Should I Repair It?
Sometimes it’s a hard decision whether it’s time to replace your current vehicle or continue to afford its repairs. Time and road miles can take a toll on any car, and it may be more cost-effective to trade it in for a newer model. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to repair your current vehicle or trade it in.
When Is It Time to Replace My Vehicle?
- Age – How old is your current vehicle? A high-mileage vehicle with aging parts generally deteriorates faster, which means bringing it to the mechanic more often.
- Safety Concerns – Do some larger repairs that your vehicle needs include faulty transmission, bad brakes, or steering problems? A trustworthy mechanic can examine your vehicle to tell you if your vehicle is accumulating serious safety problems.
- Parts Becoming Harder to Find – Depending on your make and model, you may start running into a problem finding the parts needed to do repairs. Then it would be worth looking into a newer model to drive.
Should I Just Repair My Current Vehicle?
- Fix What You Can Yourself – If you are looking at saving money, figure out which repairs you can buy parts for and do yourself. Online videos and tutorials have come a long way, and you can probably learn to do easier repairs. There may be repairs that are needed in the future, but not in the present. If budget is an issue, this can help you decide what is important to repair now and what is not pertinent and can wait.
- Follow the Recommended Service Schedule – Your make and model should have a guideline on services that should be done at what time. Finding a reliable service technician and sticking to this schedule can extend the life of your vehicle. It is never too late to start a good vehicle maintenance plan.
- Just Not in the Budget– Before choosing to purchase a new vehicle, check your budget first. Make sure you can afford to make the move to a newer vehicle. You might find that the newer vehicle will cost about the same as continuing to repair an older model.
Shop Used Vehicles or Schedule a Service Appointment at Thelen Auto Group
If you decide it’s time to replace your current vehicle, Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, offers a great inventory of CPO and gently used vehicles. Think Thelen and give us a call at 989-414-2711 for sales or 989-667-3321 for our service center today!
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Why Should I Choose a Sedan?
Choosing a sedan over an SUV 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 more 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
- 2017 Volkswagen Jetta S – An attractive Silk Blue Metallic sedan with a Titan Black and Palladium Gray cloth interior. This clean vehicle history report Jetta is equipped with a 1.4L 4-cylinder engine and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission to get an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city/40 MPG highway fuel economy. Any driver will enjoy the features it is equipped with, which include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless entry.
- 2023 Honda Accord EX – A Certified PreOwned option backed by great benefits like a limited warranty, roadside assistance, and a powertrain limited warranty. This Accord is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine that will get you an EPA-estimated 29 MPG city/37 MPG highway fuel economy. This sedan is equipped with many advanced technologies, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
- 2023 Nissan Altima SV – Another Certified PreOwned option available that has passed a multi-point inspection, and offers roadside assistance, towing assistance, and a limited warranty. This Nissan Altima is equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine to get this FWD an EPA-estimated 27 MPG city/39 MPG highway fuel economy. Any driver will enjoy great features like a remote start system, Forward Collision Warning, and speed-sensing windshield wipers.
Why Buy 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
- 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 big money with a preowned option.
- 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 These Days – 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 a few years from now.
- 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 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. Schedule your test drive today!
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Treat Your Car to a Detail Service
Treat your vehicle to a deep clean! Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, offers comprehensive and in-depth vehicle detailing appointments to meet all your needs. Conveniently located at our Thelen Kia dealership, our skilled detailing technicians have the tools necessary to restore your vehicle to its original condition. Think Thelen for all of your detailing needs in the Mid-Michigan area!
Our Detailing Menu at Thelen Auto Group
- Express Detail Service – Wash, dry, and apply wax to the vehicle’s exterior. Complete window washing inside and out, followed by tire dressing. Lastly, we thoroughly vacuum the carpets and floor mats. This service takes approximately 2 hours.
- Interior Detailing – Vacuum and steam clean carpets, mats, seats, and trunk. Clean and dress all interior panels, including the dash, doors, center console, and more. Complete window washing inside and out. This service takes approximately 3 hours.
- Full Reconditioning – The best! Full wash and wax, buff exterior and remove light scratches, wheel cleaning, and tire dressing, complete inside and out window washing, vacuum and steam clean carpets, floor mats, seats, and trunk, and clean and dress all interior panels- including dash, doors, center console, cup holders, and more! This service takes approximately 4 hours.
- Paint Touch-Up – Touch up that minor stone chip or scratch. Price varies depending on the amount of touch-up needed. Stop into Thelen Kia for a free, no-obligation estimate.
- Headlight Resurfacing – Tired of those foggy headlights? Are your headlights making it tough to see at night? No problem. Headlight resurfacing returns the clarity to the lenses as if they were new again. We’ll get yellowing, cloudy headlights sparkling again! You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make in your vehicle’s appearance. This service includes the front left and right headlights. This service takes approximately 1 hour.
- Clay Bar & Wax – Get rid of that brake dust! It will make all the difference. Clay bar all brake dust and road debris off the exterior paint. Wash and wax included.
*All services have individual pricing, which can be viewed on our menu here. All prices are estimated until we inspect your vehicle.
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Finding the Perfect Minivan for Your Family
When choosing a minivan for your family, you have a lot to consider such as safety features, interior space, and reliability. Minivans are family-friendly and practical, making them a great choice for family travel. They are useful, provide excellent value for your money, are easy to get in and out of, and offer excellent utility. If you are looking for the ideal family-friendly minivan, look no further than Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan. Stop into our mid-MI group of dealerships to take a test drive.
Available Minivans at Thelen Auto Group
2011 Chrysler Town and Country Touring – This wheelchair accessible van offers third-row seating and low mileage based on the year. It is equipped with a 3.6L 6-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to get an EPA-estimated 17 MPG city/25 MPG highway fuel economy. If you are looking for a mobility passenger van, this is a great option! Other features you can enjoy include a rearview camera, Blind Spot Monitoring system, a power liftgate, and keyless entry.
2013 Toyota Sienna L – This Predawn Gray Mica 7-seater has a clean vehicle history report and great family-friendly features for your next summer road trip. It is equipped with a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel drive system. Other great features include a tow hitch and tow package, Satellite Radio connectivity, and keyless entry.
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L – A gently used, spacious minivan loaded with plenty of amazing features for the family on the go. It is equipped with a 3.6L 6-cylinder engine and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission to get an EPA-estimated 19 MPG city/28 MPG highway fuel economy. Enjoy great features like a heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Lane Departure Warning, and a keyless ignition system.
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
2017 GMC Terrain SLE – A spacious, five-seater SUV with front-wheel drive. This Terrain is equipped with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to get you an EPA-estimated 21 MPG city/31 MPG highway fuel economy. This Graphite Gray Metallic option is equipped with great features for any driver, like remote start, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.
2017 Nissan Sentra SV – This fuel-efficient sedan offers a clean history report and plenty of great features. This Sentra is equipped with a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine and paired with an automatic CVT with Xtronic to get you an EPA-estimated 29 MPG city/37 MPG highway fuel economy. This front-wheel drive option is equipped with features like a keyless ignition system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a low tire pressure warning system.
2018 Audi Q3 Premium Plus – A luxury SUV in Florett Silver Metallic with a black leather interior. This Q3 is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to get an EPA-estimated 20 MPG city/28 MPG highway fuel economy. Plus, enjoy impressive features like a power sunroof, a power liftgate, a 4WD system, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
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