Business Details
49 Years
experience
Your Trusted Auto Dealer in Bay City, MI
Thelen Auto Group has been a family-owned and operated automotive dealership in Bay City, Michigan since 1977. Our founder, Tom Thelen, established a legacy of honesty, integrity, and exceptional customer service that continues through the third generation of our family. We specialize in new and used vehicle sales, certified pre-owned vehicles, and comprehensive service solutions including maintenance, repairs, and bodywork. Our team of certified technicians utilizes factory-recommended parts and cutting-edge technology to ensure every vehicle meets rigorous standards. With seven dealership locations across Mid-Michigan, we serve communities from Saginaw to Mt. Pleasant while maintaining our commitment to local charities and organizations.Our dedication to customer satisfaction extends beyond the sale through personalized service, transparent pricing, and a no-pressure shopping environment. We offer financing options for all credit types and maintain a vast inventory of vehicles ranging from fuel-efficient sedans to rugged trucks. Our service department handles everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs, supported by a well-stocked parts department with genuine OEM components. This enduring commitment to quality and community has earned us recognition including Time Magazine's Michigan Dealer of the Year award in 2011.
Services
New Vehicle Sales
Pre-Owned Vehicles
Certified Pre-Owned
Service Appointments
Body Shop Repairs
Parts Department
Vehicle Detailing
Financing Options
Trade Appraisals
Express Service Lanes
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1977 with three generations of automotive expertise
- Certified pre-owned vehicles with warranty options available
- Award-winning service department with factory-trained technicians
- Community-focused business supporting over 70 local organizations
- Owner accessible for direct customer concerns and feedback
What people say
Family-owned service
Knowledgeable staff
Community involvement
Transparent pricing
Award-winning service
Services
New Vehicle Sales
We offer a comprehensive selection of new vehicles from top brands including Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Honda, Subaru, Mazda, Kia, Volkswagen, and Audi. Our sales team provides transparent pricing and personalized assistance to help customers find their ideal vehicle. With multiple locations across Mid-Michigan, we ensure a stress-free buying experience backed by our family-owned reputation for integrity.
Pre-Owned Vehicles
Our inventory features quality pre-owned vehicles carefully inspected and road-tested by certified technicians. We offer competitive pricing on gently used cars, trucks, SUVs, and EVs with options under $15,000. Every used vehicle comes with detailed history reports and our commitment to customer satisfaction before and after purchase.
Certified Pre-Owned
Our certified pre-owned program includes vehicles seven years old or newer with 80,000 miles or less, offering a 3-month/3,000-mile warranty. Each CPO vehicle undergoes rigorous inspection standards to ensure reliability. This program provides added peace of mind for customers seeking premium used vehicles with manufacturer-backed protection.
Service Appointments
Our service department provides scheduled maintenance and repairs using genuine OEM parts and factory-recommended fluids. Technicians receive ongoing training to handle all makes and models. We offer express service lanes for quick maintenance tasks while maintaining transparency about parts supply chain challenges affecting repair timelines.
Body Shop Repairs
Our body shop handles collision damage restoration with precision matching factory standards. We use advanced diagnostic equipment and quality replacement parts to ensure complete repairs. The team coordinates insurance claims and provides detailed estimates while maintaining clear communication throughout the repair process.
People
Tom Thelen
Founder
Established Thelen Auto Group in 1977, earning recognition including Time Magazine's Michigan Dealer of the Year in 2011. His commitment to honesty and customer service remains foundational to the business.
Mike Thelen
Co-Owner
Third-generation automotive professional continuing family legacy. Focuses on maintaining high service standards and community engagement initiatives through the Thelen Family Foundation.
Pat Thelen
Co-Owner
Active in dealership operations and community outreach. Works to ensure customer satisfaction while upholding family values established by Tom Thelen in 1977.
Joe Thelen
Co-Owner
Contributes to dealership management and service excellence. Maintains commitment to quality vehicles and customer-centric business practices across all locations.
Questions
What brands do you offer?
We carry Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Honda, Subaru, Mazda, Kia, Volkswagen, and Audi at our seven Mid-Michigan locations.
Do you have financing options?
Yes, we offer financing solutions for all credit types including specialized programs for customers with limited or challenged credit histories.
What service hours are available?
Service appointments available Monday 8:30AM-8PM, Tuesday-Thursday 8:30AM-6PM, Friday 8:30AM-6PM, and Saturday 9AM-3PM.
Do you offer certified pre-owned vehicles?
Yes, our CPO program includes vehicles up to 7 years old with 80k miles or less, backed by a 3-month/3,000-mile warranty.
How do you handle parts shortages?
We maintain transparency about supply chain challenges and contact customers immediately when parts arrive to schedule repairs promptly.
What community initiatives do you support?
Through the Thelen Family Foundation, we support over 70 organizations including Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, and local theaters.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Jordyn
Jun 25, 2022
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Ruben took great care of us, listened to our wants, was very friendly and professional! Definitely recommend working with him.
C. A. Z.
Jun 13, 2022
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Ruben Arntz has been the best dealer that I have ever worked with. Great guy. Not pushy, but super helpful. If possible, everyone should try to work with him.
Wolfeee
Mar 18, 2022
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I took my Chrysler Town and Country in for a recall replacement and asked if they could "check" the transmission fluid. An hour later, a gentleman comes into the waiting area and sits down to tell me that the recalled part was done; then proceeds to go over a list of things that need to be replaced (something I HAD NOT asked for). He asks me if I want them to keep going, but it's going to be about $150.00, or to stop now and it'll be about half that amount.
They had NOT said anything about a cost for just checking the fluid. Keep in mind, all I wanted was for them to check the fluid and it cost me $86.23! DO NOT CHOOSE THELEN FOR A SIMPLE CHECK, THEY GOUGE FOR EVERY PENNY! If at all possible, I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO THELEN!
They had NOT said anything about a cost for just checking the fluid. Keep in mind, all I wanted was for them to check the fluid and it cost me $86.23! DO NOT CHOOSE THELEN FOR A SIMPLE CHECK, THEY GOUGE FOR EVERY PENNY! If at all possible, I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO THELEN!
Jam Morena
Mar 14, 2022
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Every time I come here for service, every employee I encounter is very nice and very helpful. Even the salesmen aren't pushy, just helpful.
Carl Wroblewski
Mar 13, 2022
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People are very nice in service dept. The problem is they didnt fix my problem. In fact its worse now than when I brought it to them. 296.56 dollars worth
Andrew Bischer
Feb 11, 2022
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Waste of time. Told the Audi Dealership side of Thelen, that I would be coming up on Friday to look at a car they have. They told me all was well and that the car would be outside and that they'd be open until 6 PM. Drove 3 hours to look at the car, and of course, it wasn't outside. They had brought it in the shop for some repairs, (a vehicle they've had there for 3 month).? Makes no sense to me.
The salesman still wanted me to go look at it while it was in the shop, even though I couldn't test drive it due to the repairs. Even wanted me to "get started on the paperwork". Could have saved a lot of heartache with just 1 email, telling me it wasn't available that day. Instead, that morning they told me it was still there. 3 hours there, 3 hours back home. What a joke, and waste of time.
The salesman still wanted me to go look at it while it was in the shop, even though I couldn't test drive it due to the repairs. Even wanted me to "get started on the paperwork". Could have saved a lot of heartache with just 1 email, telling me it wasn't available that day. Instead, that morning they told me it was still there. 3 hours there, 3 hours back home. What a joke, and waste of time.