Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from the Thelen Honda Staff

From the staff at Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI, Happy Thanksgiving mid-Michigan! Thank you for continuing to make us a preferred destination for your new and pre-owned Honda shopping needs in the Great Lakes Bay Region. We are so grateful that we are able to work with so many great mid-Michigan Honda customers who know they deserve elite service when they are shopping. Our hard-working staff will be celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones this year, so we will be closed on Thursday. However, we will be back open on Friday to help get your Honda shopping and service needs done after the holiday.

We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving with your friends and families!

Should I Purchase or Lease my New Honda? - Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI

Deciding Between Purchasing or Leasing a New Honda

Shopping for a new Honda shouldn’t have to be a daunting experience. In mid-Michigan, this is why so many local customers bring their business to Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI. We help you understand your options based on your current financial situation. This includes aiding in determining whether it is better for you to purchase your new Honda, or lease it. Between the two options, there are merits for both to consider when you are doing research on your next vehicle shopping experience. 

Purchasing Benefits vs. Leasing Benefits

New Honda Purchase – The dream of vehicle ownership is one that many mid-Michigan Honda drivers crave. Owning your new Honda means that you are free to use the vehicle as you’d like once you have driven it off our lot. Do you want to customize it with personal touches such as accessories? Are you going to be driving a lot of miles? You are free to do so when you own the vehicle. This also allows you to pass the vehicle down to someone else once it is paid off. Likewise, deciding to purchase another new Honda down the line can be made even easier when you trade in your existing Honda. 

Leasing a New Honda – There is a multitude of surprising benefits to consider when looking at leasing a new Honda from our inventory. For example, the monthly payments you get with a lease are less expensive than when you purchase a new vehicle. This is especially true if you are shopping with a decent to excellent credit score. As such, you can even opt to drive around in a more expensive version of the vehicle you are looking to shop for the same price as purchasing a lesser trim. You also don’t have to worry about the hassle of selling or trading in your vehicle once the lease term is up. Simply bring it back to the dealership and you can get yourself into another new Honda!

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

Pre-Owned 2018 Honda CR-V SUV - Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI

Quality Pre-Owned 2018 Honda CR-V Available in Bay City, MI

A Honda SUV promises to provide you and your family with a modern ride that is both comfortable and immersive. This holds true with a quality pre-owned option like the 2018 Honda CR-V EX. At Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI, we are ready to help you get behind the wheel of this excellent SUV. The pre-owned 2018 Honda CR-V EX is just one of the excellent pre-owned Honda vehicles we currently have in our inventory as well. Visit our mid-Michigan location today and let us get you into a quality vehicle that you and your family will love!

Details on the Pre-Owned 2018 Honda CR-V EX

Reliable Power & AWD Handling – You need a vehicle that you can trust to get you to your destination efficiently and safely. The 2018 CR-V EX is equipped with the necessary features to make this a reality. Elements such as the 1.5L four-cylinder engine and the Continuously Variable Transmission ensure that every moment behind the wheel is satisfying. With AWD handling at your command, you can confidently handle winter driving as well as you do every other time of the year. 

Diverse Interior Amenities – You and your family won’t be sacrificing the quality comfort and immersive elements that you expect from a modern Honda vehicle with the 2018 CR-V EX. Heated front seating and dual-zone automatic climate control ensure optimal comfort in any weather while cruising around mid-Michigan. Your passengers can also take advantage of the various multimedia implements within the vehicle. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible smartphones to connect to the infotainment system. Bluetooth integration provides both HandsFreeLink and Streaming Audio to add to the convenience and entertainment options that are available for every occupant with compatible devices. All of this results in a fun ride for every passenger of the 2018 CR-V.

The staff at Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI, would like to extend our thanks to everyone who attended the Northwood Auto Show. This event featured amazing vehicles, including the Honda vehicles we brought for people to look at. For those who stopped by and chatted with us, thank you! We loved talking with interested attendees about why Honda vehicles are a premier option for mid-Michigan cruising.

2022 Honda Passport TrailSport SUV - Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI

Purchase a Great Honda SUV Just in Time for Winter in Bay City

If you are looking to make easy work of your daily adventures this winter, a quality Honda SUV is exactly the vehicle to consider purchasing. Take the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport currently available in the Thelen Honda inventory here in Bay City, MI. This SUV comes with an AWD drivetrain to make navigating mid-Michigan roads easier when they start getting covered in snow. A well-equipped interior ensures that everyone in the vehicle has a pleasant time adventuring no matter the season. 

What Makes the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport a Top Option?

AWD Handling – When the roads start getting slick with snow or ice, you will want to make sure your vehicle can respond to steering inputs accurately for maximum handling confidence. As such, the 2022 Passport TrailSport is equipped with a responsive AWD platform. Undertaking winter driving conditions behind the wheel of the Honda SUV will be much easier knowing that your inputs are being met with impressive responsiveness from the drivetrain. 

Reliable Powertrain – Another key component to quality driving during winter is having an engine that can get you and your family to your destination with ease. The 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine under the hood to provide the needed overall performance you desire. Accompanying the engine is a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. These come together to deliver a ride that is enjoyable regardless of the driving conditions you are facing. 

Premium Interior Amenities – The 2022 Passport TrailSport is equipped to make sure you and your family are comfortable all year round. This includes having heated functionality in the front seats for excellent winter comfort. All seats in the SUV feature leather trim for both improved comfort and a welcome visual appeal that occupants will enjoy. Passengers will appreciate the diverse array of multimedia and convenience features accessible to them such as SiriusXM radio capability, integrated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation, and a wireless smartphone charger. 

Find a Family Vehicle

Own a Quality Honda Family Vehicle in Mid-Michigan

If you are looking to take your family around mid-Michigan in a fantastic vehicle, a modern Honda is a quality option. Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI, would like to help you find the ideal family vehicle for your needs. There are many characteristics that you should look for when finding the best model for your lifestyle. Answering these questions will make sure the Honda you own is best suited for you. 

What Characteristics Make a Quality Family Vehicle?

Body Style – Does your family only have a couple of members? A sedan or smaller crossover SUV is well-suited for your needs. What about families with multiple members? A larger SUV or minivan will have all the space you need to comfortably seat everyone. Larger SUVs are also ideal if you find that you will be regularly transporting luggage or other heavy-duty items along with the family on vacation. 

Amenities – Whether your Honda will be used for everyday cruising, or for lengthy vacations, the amenities available in the vehicle will accentuate the ride. If you love to have the most loaded version of a vehicle possible, you will appreciate the upper-level trims of all Honda models. Conversely, you can always opt for a lower-level trim of a vehicle and add on the packages that have the features you want most. 

Safety Features – You want to keep your family safe from virtually any everyday driving scenario. Thankfully, modern Honda vehicles are well-equipped with many driver-assistance features. Confidence that you will be able to react to busy traffic scenarios or highway travels is what makes a vehicle a highly coveted option for a family. Drivetrains are also a great way to judge the overall safety of a vehicle. When selecting a model with AWD maneuverability, you can gain even greater all-weather handling that is well-suited for mid-Michigan all year round. 

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

Bay City Service Center

Quality Honda Service Just in Time for Autumn in Mid-Michigan

Your Honda has been handling the challenges caused by the hot temperatures that mid-Michigan has been experiencing over the past couple of months. As such, it deserves to be treated to quality service that will help it be prepared for the cooling temperatures of autumn. At Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI, we are ready to provide your vehicle with maintenance that has been trusted by mid-Michigan Honda drivers for many years. Schedule an appointment with us today and let our team of trained technicians get your Honda ready for the cooler autumn months!

Thelen Honda & Autumn Service Suggestions

Air Filters – Both the cabin and engine air filters are vital to maintaining peak performance and optimal cabin air quality. After navigating mid-Michigan all summer, your air filters are likely clogged with irritants and debris such as pollen. It is advised to have these replaced after the summer so that your vehicle can function at its peak all autumn and winter long. 

Fluids & Battery – Having a set time of the year to get your engine’s fluids checked and replaced is a great way to keep up on the maintenance of your Honda. Autumn is a perfect time to do so as you can have it checked after the hot summer months have concluded. Similarly, your vehicle’s battery should be tested yearly for performance and health. Our technicians will be more than happy to test your battery when you bring your vehicle in for a service appointment. 

Tires – Your tires are vital as the weather starts approaching the end of the year, especially in mid-Michigan where weather conditions can change on a dime. If you haven’t had your tires rotated and balanced recently, let our excellent service staff make sure they are properly done to maximize their longevity and performance. Additionally, let us help you determine if your tread depth is enough to confidently get you through the slippery road conditions you will be likely to face as the weather changes. 

New vs. Gently Pre-Owned Honda Vehicles - Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI

Shopping for a New or Gently Pre-Owned Honda Vehicle

When you visit Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI, you are opting to work with a dedicated sales team who wants to find your dream vehicle. This includes helping determine whether or not you should purchase a new or gently pre-owned Honda from our inventory. There are benefits to both options, and we would like to make sure you are getting the perfect vehicle for your situation and needs. Let us provide you with useful tips to make sure you are picking the ideal vehicle for you and your family in mid-Michigan.

New vs. Pre-Owned Honda Vehicle Benefits

New Vehicle Benefits – When you choose a new Honda model, you are getting to put every mile on the vehicle as you drive it off our lot. You also have the option to order a vehicle with all the features and personalized elements that you would want when you go for a new vehicle choice. Having no previous owners also means that you know exactly what is going on with your vehicle during the entirety of your time of owning it.

Gently Pre-Owned Benefits – For those looking to get into a quality recent model year Honda while on a budget, going with a gently pre-owned Honda from our inventory is a great option. Opting for one with a clean CARFAX report and one previous owner means you are getting a version of the vehicle that has been treated with respect and careful attention. You can also get into a vehicle that is loaded with more features for less when you choose to go with a pre-owned Honda from our inventory. 

Shopping with Thelen Honda – When you are shopping for either a new or pre-owned Honda vehicle, Thelen Honda is proud to be a leading choice for mid-Michigan drivers all over the region. Not only do we keep a great selection of both kinds of Honda vehicles in stock, but we make sure we cater the shopping experience to your specific lifestyle and budgeting considerations. Finding you the new or pre-owned Honda that will excite you and your family for years to come is our mission, and we strive to be excellent at it!

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

At Thelen Honda, we strive to make your service experience the best we can.

So, our Thelen service and parts teams want to be completely transparent with our customers about the struggles the vehicle repair industry is facing with the ongoing vehicle parts supply chain shortages and the how it is affecting us and our customers. During this time, we completely understand your frustrations and we thank you for your patience and understanding. We will do everything we can to get your vehicle serviced and/or repaired as quickly as possible.

Why is there a parts supply chain shortage?
Part manufacturers have a shortage of raw materials they need to make the parts that are in demand. Plus, there are labor shortages at the factories making the parts. Together these are causing a massive vehicle parts supply chain disruption and shortage.

What does this mean for the vehicle repair/service industry?
This is affecting wait times on repairs drastically. Repairs that would have been done within a day or two, are now taking weeks, some even months, because dealerships can’t keep the parts in stock or get them fast enough.

Can’t the parts just be bought online and not from the manufacturer?
Yes and no. Yes, parts can be bought online. However, if a part isn’t made by your vehicle’s part manufacturer it most likely won’t be covered under your warranty in the future. If the part breaks later on, that could be more costly in the long run. Also, many car repair shops are now buying this way and there are only so many parts to go around.

What does this mean for me if I need my vehicle repaired?
Patience and understanding are appreciated when parts are ordered for your vehicle repair. As soon as the parts arrive for your vehicle we will contact you right away and get your vehicle in as soon as our schedule allows.

Why are service appointments being scheduled weeks out?
Before the parts supply shortage, parts were normally on hand or one to two days away, when a vehicle needed repaired.  This resulted in only one appointment needed to get the vehicle fixed. Now, since most parts aren’t in-stock, two appointments are needed. The first appointment, to access the issue to find what needs repaired and what parts are needed and the second after the parts arrive to make the needed repairs. This is causing a bottleneck with many repair shops. Thus, many repair shops are scheduling appointments weeks out. Some other dealers in the area have even stopped taking new customer altogether. 

Here at Thelen Auto Group we will always make sure to get you in at the earliest appointment and as soon as we are able to have adequate time needed to make the repairs your vehicle needs.

Why am I not updated about my parts and when they are expected to arrive?
Simply put, the ETA we receive from the manufacturer is only an Estimated Time of Arrival, which in today’s atmosphere is incorrect. The shipping times are sporadically changing on a day-to-day basis. So, that same part ordered today stating that it will be here next week, could change tomorrow stating 2-3 weeks out or more. We contact the customer upon the part arrival at the dealership, because that is the only date we can be 100% accurate on at this time.

As soon as parts arrive at Thelen we contact the customer to let them know and to get them scheduled in for repairs at the earliest appointment timeThank you for your patience!

Certified Pre-Owned 2021 Honda Accord Sport Special Edition Sedan - Thelen Honda in Bay City, Mi

Cruise Around Mid-Michigan in a Certified Pre-Owned 2021 Honda Accord Sport

The Honda Accord is a great sedan option for mid-Michigan families thanks to its spacious and well-equipped interior. At Thelen Honda in Bay City, MI, we are proud to offer a selection of quality Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) models such as the 2021 Honda Accord Sport Special Edition. This version of the sedan has only had one previous owner according to its CARFAX report. Being a Special Edition version of the Accord, you can expect a memorable experience each time you get behind the wheel of this vehicle. 

Details on the Pre-Owned 2021 Honda Accord Sport

Energetic Performance – Equipped with a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine under the hood, the 2021 Honda Accord Sport gets around mid-Michigan locales with enticing levels of performance. Coupled with its Continuously Variable Transmission, the acceleration in the sedan is both responsive and seamless. With FWD maneuverability and its lightweight nature, the Accord handles like a dream as you take it around corners in town or around bends on the highway.  

Loaded Interior – As the Special Edition version of the 2021 Honda Accord Sport, the cabin of the sedan is equipped with plenty of modern conveniences and entertainment options. Both front seats feature heated functionality to make taking the Accord out for a brisk autumn drive much more enjoyable. Passengers can connect their applicable devices to the sedan’s infotainment system through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Bluetooth to introduce a welcome interactive element to any adventure. 

Certified Pre-Owned Details – According to the CARFAX report for the 2021 Honda Accord Sport, the vehicle only had one previous owner. With the Certified Pre-Owned designation, it has also met the strict criteria for excellence so that you know you are getting a quality vehicle. When you purchase a vehicle like the Accord Sport from Thelen Honda, you also get elite customer service that has been well-regarded across the mid-Michigan region.