The Thelen Auto Group is a family-owned and operated business in Bay City, MI. We have been serving the people of Bay City and the entire Great Lakes Bay Region of Mid-Michigan since 1977 when our founder, Tom Thelen, created the company that bears his name. For over four decades, we have been privileged to serve customers from Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, Flint, and all of the Michigan Bay Area. Throughout that time, we've always maintained Tom's commitment to the finest in customer service, honesty, and integrity.
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Thelen Auto Group is a family-owned and operated company, conveniently located in Bay City, Michigan. In fact, we are one of the oldest family car dealership groups in the Mid-Michigan area! Serving the Great Lakes Bay Region, including Saginaw and Midland, since 1977, we are now in the third generation of Thelen family members proudly ensuring an excellent customer experience at the Thelen family of auto dealerships.
Your quality vehicle was made to last and we want to ensure it remains that way - whether it's taken you 1,000 miles, 10,000 miles or 100,000 miles! That's why Thelen Auto Group, your Mid-Michigan automotive experts, offers quality vehicle service, scheduled maintenance and vehicle repair, so you have convenient access to the latest specialized technology and precise analysis from trained technicians in a variety of vehicle makes and models.
Search our extensive new vehicle inventory from all 10 quality new car brands for sale or lease at Thelen Auto Group in the Bay City, MI, proudly serving the Great Lakes Bay Region of Mid-Michigan. New Chrysler Dodge Jeep, and Ram pricing includes all offers and incentives. Buyer must qualify for employee pricing.
Reviews (26)
Jordyn
Jun 25, 2022
C. A. Z.
Jun 13, 2022
Wolfeee
Mar 18, 2022
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
Carl Wroblewski
Mar 13, 2022
Andrew Bischer
Feb 11, 2022
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.
Larry Bovee
Jan 17, 2022
Ron Crawford
Oct 19, 2021
One of the better dealership experiences I have had. Went there with the intention of test driving a CPO A4 they had and ended up driving a few different vehicles. Ruben (my salesman) was super helpful and communication was fantastic. I also met the rest of the sales staff as we chatted about my B7 S4 that I drove in. Ended up going a different route with my purchase but still enjoyed my experience at this dealer. Thanks guys!
Alexander Anderson Alex
Sep 08, 2021
Ruben took exceptional care of me throughout the whole process of buying my 2014 Jeep Patriot! I truly think I couldn't have been treated any better. Extremely happy with my experience dealing with Thelen, Ruben, and their finance department. If you are looking for a nice ride, and stress free encounter with a top notch sales pro, look no further. Ask for Ruben. And, I love my new Jeep too! - Alex
Charles K.
Jan 15, 2021
Do not go to this dealership, especially if you're a woman. During the pandemic she left her car there for 6 days only to be told that they couldn't find the problem with it. I looked at the repair order and there is nothing shown that they actually diagnosed anything with the problem. They said it was parasitic draw but it only states that there is a maximum of 12 milliamps when everything below 20 to 25 is completely normal. so they kept her car for a week, didn't fix it and then tried to baffle her because she doesn't know enough about cars. I would never take my car to a dealership that doesn't stand behind their work is dishonest and doesn't know what they're doing
Autumn E.
Aug 17, 2020
EDIT: Thelen Auto Group publicly commented on my facebook post asking for proof of my broken parts and asked for them to be brought to their designated location. I did so three weeks ago and haven't been contacted since. Very poor business conduct. Recently purchased a used 2012 Buick Verano from The Thelen Auto Group, paid $6,900 cash for the vehicle.
Two months off the lot I am now sinking over $1,000 into my car for a timing chain issue. When I had called the manager of the store that I purchased my car from to express this he stated and I quote "This is like purchasing a vehicle off of the side of the road you never know what you will get." So for any of you out there like me a 23-year-old making their first car purchase, know that this dealership does not hold themselves to a higher standard than that of a Joe-Shmo on the side of the road. Very untrustworthy company.
Two months off the lot I am now sinking over $1,000 into my car for a timing chain issue. When I had called the manager of the store that I purchased my car from to express this he stated and I quote "This is like purchasing a vehicle off of the side of the road you never know what you will get." So for any of you out there like me a 23-year-old making their first car purchase, know that this dealership does not hold themselves to a higher standard than that of a Joe-Shmo on the side of the road. Very untrustworthy company.
Brett J.
Aug 06, 2020
Mike V.
Apr 17, 2018
Craig W.
Jul 05, 2017
Thank you Steven Lenhart and Thelen for making my recent experience so easy! I had to turn in a three year lease and pick out a new car. I knew what I wanted, a new Mazda3, and Steve made sure that I would be able to get the appropriate model with a hatchback. Because there wasn't one available on the lot, he said he'd get one for me by the beginning of the following week. Unfortunately, I was heading out of town for three weeks. Then, completely taking me by surprise, I was told that my car would be delivered to me where I was, and my old car would be taken back. So the next week, the car was delivered, I signed the paper work, and said goodbye to my 2014 Mazda3. I have continually been impressed by the service here and will return.
Voogd E.
Dec 06, 2016
I brought in my 2014 Audi SQ5 for a 35K service and a recent back-up camera failure. They did a great job taking care of things diagnosing the problem on the first day, ordering the needed part, and performing the service. They then hand washed the car inside and out doing a great job and then dropped it off with my front desk reception person! (I didn't even ask for this!) Just a few days later the part came in, I dropped the car off (again using the key drop) and this afternoon they AGAIN dropped off a freshly washed car with the repairs completed at my office (all under warranty coverage!). I don't know how they could have done a better job! DEFINITELY 5 stars!
Lynn M.
Sep 09, 2016
I would give the service department at Thelen a zero star if I could. My husband and I went in yesterday day for and oil change and tire rotation because the idiot light on the dashboard turned on. Normally we wouldn't go to the dealership for such but because it's a brand new car (2015 CRV) and still under warranty we chose the dealership.
When we went in, we requested an oil change and tire rotation. During the wait, they came and showed us the cabin/pollen air filter and said it needed replacing. We agreed. They also said the vehicle was in need of dual pump fluid change which we did not agree to, being that this is a new car and has only 16,000 miles on it and still under warranty.
Even my husbands truck does not require this until 1000,000 miles. I do not understand, but this is another issue. When my car was done, we paid the bill and started to leave. After getting in the vehicle and turning on the air, a strange noise came from the air vents. We immediately went back in and reported it. They cleaned out the place where the air filter was and this fixed the problem.
About half way home I was going over the paperwork (we traveled over 60 miles to get to this dealership, which was the closest to where we live) and noticed that the tire rotation was never done. I called the service department at the dealership to confirm this, which they did. I asked why they did not do it after we requested it, and they had no answer. Also, the code on the dash of the "Maintenance Minder Message" was B16. B is the symbol for an oil change, the 6 is for "replace rear differential fluid" and the 1 is the symbol for "rotate tires and check tire pressure and condition".
So not only did they ignore our verbal request for a tire rotation, they ignore the code that the vehicle gave. After being so frustrated, I wanted to make sure the service manager was aware of what happened. After taking time to fill in all the required fields and a lengthy explanation of what transpired, their web site would not allow me to send it. (Gee, no surprise).
I then called the service manager directly and explained what happened. He said he was sorry. That doesn't cut it in my book. I will never do business with this dealership again.
When we went in, we requested an oil change and tire rotation. During the wait, they came and showed us the cabin/pollen air filter and said it needed replacing. We agreed. They also said the vehicle was in need of dual pump fluid change which we did not agree to, being that this is a new car and has only 16,000 miles on it and still under warranty.
Even my husbands truck does not require this until 1000,000 miles. I do not understand, but this is another issue. When my car was done, we paid the bill and started to leave. After getting in the vehicle and turning on the air, a strange noise came from the air vents. We immediately went back in and reported it. They cleaned out the place where the air filter was and this fixed the problem.
About half way home I was going over the paperwork (we traveled over 60 miles to get to this dealership, which was the closest to where we live) and noticed that the tire rotation was never done. I called the service department at the dealership to confirm this, which they did. I asked why they did not do it after we requested it, and they had no answer. Also, the code on the dash of the "Maintenance Minder Message" was B16. B is the symbol for an oil change, the 6 is for "replace rear differential fluid" and the 1 is the symbol for "rotate tires and check tire pressure and condition".
So not only did they ignore our verbal request for a tire rotation, they ignore the code that the vehicle gave. After being so frustrated, I wanted to make sure the service manager was aware of what happened. After taking time to fill in all the required fields and a lengthy explanation of what transpired, their web site would not allow me to send it. (Gee, no surprise).
I then called the service manager directly and explained what happened. He said he was sorry. That doesn't cut it in my book. I will never do business with this dealership again.
Angula R.
Jan 24, 2016
Scheduled my Jetta for 8am repairs, I took my car the night before and put keys in their Dropbox as agreed. Next day I called at 3:30pm to pick my car up and was told they did not have my keys! They also said they didn't know where my car was?!?!?!?! I was placed on hold for 5 minutes and told me they found my keys and would start the repairs!
I was told the repairs would be done by 3:30 the day before. When I arrived at Thelen's I asked to speak Shannon the service manager, who basically stated it was my fault my keys were lost since they must of fell and inadvertently kicked under desk. She didn't have a good answer why no one called to ask why I hadn't shown for the appointment, or why my car was parked in their lot outside of the repair garage.
The completion of the expensive glow plugs turned out not to be the fix for the check engine light that was on as they described, and was told further repairs would be needed in excess of $5000 to make it go off. It felt like a giant FU Every visit here is an experience in stupid screw ups, lost cars and mistaken repairs.
I was told the repairs would be done by 3:30 the day before. When I arrived at Thelen's I asked to speak Shannon the service manager, who basically stated it was my fault my keys were lost since they must of fell and inadvertently kicked under desk. She didn't have a good answer why no one called to ask why I hadn't shown for the appointment, or why my car was parked in their lot outside of the repair garage.
The completion of the expensive glow plugs turned out not to be the fix for the check engine light that was on as they described, and was told further repairs would be needed in excess of $5000 to make it go off. It felt like a giant FU Every visit here is an experience in stupid screw ups, lost cars and mistaken repairs.
Scott G.
Dec 29, 2015
Do not go to Thelen for service if you cherish your vehicle. I went for an oil change, which I was baited and switched on the price. Now I have an invoice for $2300 for a new belly pan because they did not properly fasten it back on when they were done. The mechanics seem under qualified. While they were under my car, they kept asking me what problems I was having with my air suspension because they couldn't find any leaks.
Although my car did come from the factory with air suspension, I converted it to coil-overs a year ago. Something is wrong if an Audi mechanic can't tell the difference between air shocks and coil-overs. The service manager is very rude. She wouldn't give me the time of day to plead my case, and said if it was their fault "the wind" would've broke my belly pan off, not the snow.
Not very likely. As I exited the service department with my outrageous quote for damages they caused, she laughed at me. I will never go back to Thelen, they lost a customer over a few belly pan fasteners.
Although my car did come from the factory with air suspension, I converted it to coil-overs a year ago. Something is wrong if an Audi mechanic can't tell the difference between air shocks and coil-overs. The service manager is very rude. She wouldn't give me the time of day to plead my case, and said if it was their fault "the wind" would've broke my belly pan off, not the snow.
Not very likely. As I exited the service department with my outrageous quote for damages they caused, she laughed at me. I will never go back to Thelen, they lost a customer over a few belly pan fasteners.
Michael V.
Feb 16, 2015
Mary M.
Nov 18, 2013
Let me start by saying I have never written a negative review before (mostly because people only take the time to write them when there have a problem) however this is a warning STAY AWAY! They had my car for 13 (yes thirteen!) weeks for what they told my insurance company was a 5 day job. I got the gamut of excuses.waiting on part, technician had a baby, waiting on insurance company (even though they never sent my insurance company any paperwork), I could go on and on.
They refused to pay for any part of the rental car. Interestingly enough when I returned the car, the people at the rental place said they have experienced problems with them as well and people around know not to go there - wish I would have had that information. So I picked up my car last night - my bumper is fixed with a ZIPTIE - ARE YOU SERIOUS!.started my car up this morning and my check engine light is on.
Bottom line WORST SERVICE I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED IN ANY INDUSTRY. If there was a 0 star rating, I'd give it. Took it to a dealership to make sure the job was done right - couldnt have made a worse decision. I will never buy a Mazda again.
They refused to pay for any part of the rental car. Interestingly enough when I returned the car, the people at the rental place said they have experienced problems with them as well and people around know not to go there - wish I would have had that information. So I picked up my car last night - my bumper is fixed with a ZIPTIE - ARE YOU SERIOUS!.started my car up this morning and my check engine light is on.
Bottom line WORST SERVICE I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED IN ANY INDUSTRY. If there was a 0 star rating, I'd give it. Took it to a dealership to make sure the job was done right - couldnt have made a worse decision. I will never buy a Mazda again.
Brian G.
May 25, 2013
From reading a couple of the other reviews I'm not sure that they were at the same dealership we went to. We just picked up a Mazda 6 from Thelen. we worked with a great salesman named Chris Pickett. He and the sales manager, Kelly Isbell, could not have been any more knowledgeable, honest and kind. Chris knew every detail about the car. And told us about the different model variations.
When it came time to make the deal we feel we got a great deal! Great price, great interest rate! No hassling. The car was detailed perfectly and the entire sales process was very smooth. We felt more like friends than customers! Thelen has earned our business for life!
When it came time to make the deal we feel we got a great deal! Great price, great interest rate! No hassling. The car was detailed perfectly and the entire sales process was very smooth. We felt more like friends than customers! Thelen has earned our business for life!
Jackie M.
Mar 05, 2012
My husband and I purchased a used Subaru Tribeca from Thelen in November 2011. During our final inspection before driving away my husband noticed that the hood wasn't latched properly. Shannon the service manager was called to take a look. She had a mechanic "fix" the problem and we left. A couple months later my husband was driving 60mph down M46 when his hood flew open. Needless to say he couldn't see and was luckily able to pull over without hitting anything.
We brought the Tribeca back to Thelen to get repaired. It took 4 weeks! And when I inquired about how they were going to compensate for their obvious neglect Bill James the Subaru manager said that the car was bought 'as is'. Buy a Subaru, but don't buy it at Thelens.
We brought the Tribeca back to Thelen to get repaired. It took 4 weeks! And when I inquired about how they were going to compensate for their obvious neglect Bill James the Subaru manager said that the car was bought 'as is'. Buy a Subaru, but don't buy it at Thelens.
Julie D.
Feb 06, 2012
I have been really pleased with the Subaru service team: Shannon, Jason, Josh and Melissa have taken great care of me and my '07 Forester with 140K miles. Additionally, Kelly, the new car manager, has always been very fair and pleasant to deal with. Finally, Maria in the body shop consistently goes above and beyond for her customers. I respect these people a great deal, and have had nothing but positive experiences.
Sloe R.
Aug 20, 2011
In the spring of 2004 I traded my Subaru for a VW convertible. The salesman (don't recall his name but he used to make or sell jewelry, something like that) accompanied me on a test drive. I should have known this car would end up being a disaster when the salesman couldn't figure how to roll the top down. In fact, he attempted to open the top by physically applying pressure to the canvas. Luckily for him and unluckily for me, he didn't rip it. Otherwise, I've been stuck with an inferior vehicle that has been in and out of the shop way too many times to count.
Do you realize how much it costs to fix a problem, even relatively minor, on a VW? You can inherit these types of problems with a real luxury German vehicle, not one manufactured south of the border. Come to find out seven years later that my car has structural damage which was not disclosed by the salesperson or by Thelen. Additionally, they didn't give me jack shit for the trade.
I should have walked but I was seduced into buying a convertible because of the breathtaking spring weather. Hopefully I will be able to unload the piece of shit to some sucker who is also enjoying beautiful weather, structural damage be damned. And once again, car salesmen everywhere continue to get a bad rep because of dishonest dealerships.
Do you realize how much it costs to fix a problem, even relatively minor, on a VW? You can inherit these types of problems with a real luxury German vehicle, not one manufactured south of the border. Come to find out seven years later that my car has structural damage which was not disclosed by the salesperson or by Thelen. Additionally, they didn't give me jack shit for the trade.
I should have walked but I was seduced into buying a convertible because of the breathtaking spring weather. Hopefully I will be able to unload the piece of shit to some sucker who is also enjoying beautiful weather, structural damage be damned. And once again, car salesmen everywhere continue to get a bad rep because of dishonest dealerships.
Mary P.
Feb 20, 2011
The service guys at this joint are fairly helpful. I took my Volkswagen there and it had been literally around the country so there were some issues to address. The guys managed to take away my check engine light but fixing it took double the estimated time and left me sitting in the waiting room alone at the end of the night. They really worked with my warranty company to get things covered and let me see what the deal was with my car before they attempted repair.
Overall I'd say if the waiting room was more entertaining I'd appreciate this place more OR if they covered for a rental car if they go over on their time limit. But sadly both those aren't up to par for my personal taste.
Overall I'd say if the waiting room was more entertaining I'd appreciate this place more OR if they covered for a rental car if they go over on their time limit. But sadly both those aren't up to par for my personal taste.
Brad C.
Oct 04, 2010
We recently moved to the area and wanted to trade in our expensive car for a new Subaru. The salesman was dopey, and the used car manager kept us sitting around for an hour (as they are trained to do, sadly), until he finally gave us a low-ball offer. We walked out and the manager literally chased us into the parking lot yelling at us. Sad, I really wanted to buy a car from them.