Dow Gardens

Nearby Mid-Michigan Adventures in Your Subaru

With such a fun-to-drive vehicle, you might be tempted to go out and adventure the state in your versatile and comfortable Subaru. Did you know there are many fun activities just a little closer to home in the mid-Michigan region? Take your family out for fun this weekend with some Thelen Subaru favorite recommendations for things to do in the Great Lakes Bay Region, all just a short drive from Bay City. 

Our Favorite Mid-Michigan Family Destinations

Dow Gardens (Midland) – Now is the perfect time of the year to experience this absolutely stunning outdoor attraction located in Midland. The Dow Gardens are home to amazing landscapes and plenty of scenery to let everyone in the family feel relaxed while on their adventure. There are also gorgeous statues and other pieces of artwork scattered across the expansive gardens. For more information on the Dow Gardens, you can visit their website here

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland (Frankenmuth) – Chances are that even if you’ve never been to this amazing building, you have heard about it. Located in gorgeous Frankenmuth, MI, Bronner’s is the perfect family destination all year long. It doesn’t have to be Christmas to go visit this iconic staple of the mid-Michigan community. If you’re looking for a full day of fun, there are also plenty of other great restaurants and businesses around Bronner’s that you can incorporate into your trip! For more information on Bronner’s, check out their website here.

Saginaw Children’s Zoo – Another great way to take advantage of the remaining beautiful summer days that mid-Michigan has to offer is by going to the zoo. The Saginaw Children’s Zoo is home to a diverse group of animals that will be sure to capture your young and older children’s attention as you walk around the zoo. The attraction also has plenty of other things to do when you’re taking a break from looking at the animals. We highly recommend this as a fun and educational trip as we are entering school time in mid-Michigan! Learn more about the Saginaw Children’s Zoo here.

(Photo Credit: Dow Gardens / Michigan)

2023 Subaru Solterra Touring

Gorgeous Cosmic White Pearl 2023 Subaru Solterra Available Today

For an experience traveling the Great Lakes Bay Region unlike any other, the 2023 Subaru Solterra offers you the opportunity to have a fully-electric SUV that still maintains the quality Subaru ride you expect from the brand. This family cruiser is ideal if you have always wanted to experience the futuristic performance capabilities of an all-electric vehicle, while also helping protect the environment you love to traverse. Thelen Subaru has a beautiful Cosmic White Pearl Solterra Touring that is fully loaded with premium interior amenities available for purchase today. Visit our Bay City, MI dealership and find out how we can help you get into this fantastic electric family cruiser. 

The Reasons You Should Own the 2023 Subaru Solterra EV

Trusted Subaru Handling with Dynamic Electric Performance – The 2023 Solterra is just as adventurous as its conventional Subaru counterparts. You get to have Symmetrical AWD handling making sure you are always in command of your electric SUV throughout the year in mid-Michigan. Where the Solterra separates itself from other excellent Subaru models is its electric powertrain and its benefits. These include incredibly quiet operation and virtually instantaneous acceleration for a driving experience that’s unlike anything you’ve likely ever had. 

A Fully-Loaded Cabin Filled with Luxurious Elements – Not only does the Subaru Solterra Touring offer you a unique way to experience your favorite adventures, but it does so with a cabin that comes fully loaded for optimal comfort and infotainment capabilities. Take the fact that every seat comes with heated functionality for a level of winter comfort that everyone in the vehicle will adore. You also get premium infotainment technology such as integrated STARLINK navigation built-in so that you can easily make your way to your next grand adventure in the Great Lakes Bay Region!

2024 Subaru Legacy Limited

New 2024 Subaru Legacy Sedan Available in Bay City, MI Today

Looking to get yourself into a new 2024 model year sedan to keep you in one of the most modern vehicles possible in mid-Michigan? Visit Thelen Subaru in Bay City, MI, and ask to see the 2024 Subaru Legacy Limited we have available for sale. This sporty sedan is exactly the type of vehicle you have been looking for if you also want a reliable everyday Michigan cruising option throughout the year. With Symmetrical AWD and a vibrant powertrain, you’ll love every moment you spend behind the wheel of the 2024 Legacy. When you choose Thelen for your new Subaru shopping needs in the Great Lakes Bay Region, you are getting trusted customer service that local drivers have come to appreciate when they purchase their dream vehicle. 

The Performance Capabilities of the 2024 Subaru Legacy

An Energetic Engine Meets a Smooth Transmission – The 2024 Subaru Legacy is one in the long line of modern Subaru models that comes with the dependable SUBARU BOXER engine under the hood. As you step behind the wheel of the Legacy Limited and hear the 2.5L four-cylinder engine startup, you’ll be confident that you’re driving an energetic sedan around town or the highway. Coupled with a Continuously Variable Transmission that keeps acceleration responsive and seamless, the result is a sedan that feels satisfying to pilot across Michigan.

The Benefits of Symmetrical AWD Handling – Today’s mid-Michigan Subaru drivers know how important it is to have the reliable all-season handling that comes with the Symmetrical AWD platform. A mainstay of the Subaru lineup, this capable all-wheel-drive system finds its home in the 2024 Subaru Legacy Limited sedan that we have available for sale. As such, you can count on driving around Michigan during the winter with added confidence that the vehicle is sending power to the wheels that need it most. 

2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness

Experience a New 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness in Mid-Michigan

Are you looking to find that dream vehicle for your adventurous spirit to thrive while cruising around mid-Michigan? Thelen Subaru in Bay City is excited to have a new 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness available for purchase at our Great Lakes Bay Region dealership. This SUV is designed to cater to the off-roading lifestyle while also providing a satisfying ride across cities and highways as well. Equipped with the well-regarded Symmetrical AWD platform for reliable handling in any situation, this 2024 Outback Wilderness is ready to help you make memories on your next excursion around Michigan

The Excellence of the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness

Dynamic Everyday Performance – Thanks to the 2.4L four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine under the hood of the 2024 Outback Wilderness, you always have access to plenty of on-demand performance for whatever drive you’re going on. Whether it’s just a day full of driving around town for errands, or you are taking the SUV out for a true adventure across Michigan, you can be confident that the Outback will supply the level of performance you need for a satisfying trip. The eight-speed automatic transmission that is paired with the engine also ensures that you have seamless acceleration that also maximizes the performance capabilities of the Subaru. 

Symmetrical AWD Handling – Living in Michigan, we all have to expect the roads to eventually become more difficult to travel on due to factors such as snow or ice. If you’re an adventurer, you might also know that AWD handling is ideal for traversing rugged terrain as well. The Symmetrical AWD platform that the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness is equipped with makes sure that you always have peak levels of grip when the situation on the road becomes more difficult due to uneven terrain or when it is winter in mid-Michigan. 

Thelen Subaru Service in Bay City, MI

Make Thelen Subaru Your Mid-Michigan Summer Service Destination

Are you looking to get your Subaru ready for the increasingly hotter days that we are facing in mid-Michigan by performing needed routine maintenance? Let Thelen Subaru and our excellent Service Center be your preferred Great Lakes Bay Region destination for quality service. Our Bay City location is conveniently located a short drive away for Subaru drivers in communities such as Grand Blanc, Midland, and Saginaw. No matter what service you need to do to make your summer adventures even better, we are ready to serve you! Call us at 989-812-2819 or use the Xtime App on our website to request an appointment.

Recommended Services for Summer

Air Filter Replacements – Clean air in the cabin and a free flow of air through your vehicle’s engine will greatly aid in your summer adventures. Having our team of technicians replace your air filters will help make it easier for your vehicle to keep everyone in the cabin cool while also improving performance and engine efficiency for the most satisfying ride possible. When you schedule your appointment, ask about having your filters serviced!

Fluid Changes & Top-Offs – The start of summer is a great time to get your vehicle in for an oil change or other fluid service. One fluid you should make sure is topped off and/or replaced before you set out for an adventure is the coolant. Hotter weather will make it more difficult to keep your engine cool, so fresh coolant will make all the difference. 

Tire-Related Services – We advise that you make sure to have your tires rotated and balanced when you schedule an appointment with us. This will help make your ride smoother and also improve overall wear evenness on all four tires. We are more than happy to check tire pressures and make sure they are at even and proper levels to ensure peak handling performance and promote more enjoyable summer driving sessions. 

(Photo Credit: iStock)

Certified Pre-Owned 2021 Subaru Outback Premium

Own a Quality Certified Pre-Owned 2021 Subaru Outback Today

The Subaru Outback is an SUV that is ideal for the adventurous mid-Michigan family. At Thelen Subaru, we have a Certified Pre-Owned 2021 Subaru Outback Premium currently available at our Bay City dealership. If you are searching for a quality family cruiser that checks all the boxes for performance, reliability, and interior superiority, the Outback Premium is ready for you. When you shop for a CPO Subaru at Thelen Subaru, you are also purchasing a vehicle that has been thoroughly inspected by our top team of trained technicians for performance and longevity. See why shopping with Thelen is a top choice in the Great Lakes Bay Region

CPO 2021 Subaru Outback Details

Symmetrical AWD for Reliability – What makes Subaru a fantastic brand for all-season mid-Michigan driving? The Symmetrical AWD system that almost every one of their models is equipped with. This dynamic drivetrain ensures that every steering input from you is responded to appropriately and by all four wheels. 

All-Around Reliable Performance – Complementing the exceptional Symmetrical AWD system is a powertrain that is well-suited for the everyday mid-Michigan city and highway travels you go on. The 2.5L four-cylinder engine under the hood ensures you always have the performance you need to get your daily tasks accomplished with plenty of power to spare. Couple this with the Continuously Variable Transmission that excels in maintaining peak performance with comfortable smoothness and you get an SUV that feels energetic while behind the wheel. 

Family-Centric Interior – There is so much to love inside the CPO 2021 Subaru Outback Premium that everyone in the family will find something to elevate their experience riding in the SUV. From heated front seating to innovative dual-zone climate control that can be activated with a voice, the comfort options in the Outback Premium are exceptional at a great value. For infotainment purposes, the wide array of features accessible from the large 11.6-inch touchscreen for the Subaru STARLINK system is impressive. You can enjoy everything from convenient smartphone connection applications to various media outlets including SiriusXM radio capability. 

2023 Subaru Solterra Limited

Own an Innovative 2023 Subaru Solterra Today in Bay City, MI

Owning a Subaru means driving a vehicle that appeals to the adventurous spirit we all have in mid-Michigan. Now, there is a Subaru that helps reduce impact on the environment through the implementation of a fully electric powertrain. The 2023 Subaru Solterra is a fantastic family cruiser that is available at Thelen Subaru in Bay City, Michigan. Options such as the Limited trim that we have in stock are made to provide that quintessential Subaru driving experience without the need for gasoline. Visit our dealership today and see why the Solterra could be the ideal next vehicle purchase for you and your family!

The Advantages of the 2023 Solterra in Mid-Michigan

Electrifying Performance – The 2023 Subaru Solterra is equipped with the StarDrive all-electric powertrain. This dual-motor setup delivers power to both axles by placing one of the two motors on each. Not only does this powertrain deliver performance virtually instantaneously, but it also provides the Solterra with the electric version of Symmetrical AWD for comprehensive handling capability around mid-Michigan. 

Clean Efficiency – Being an all-electric SUV, the Solterra helps drivers stay committed to protecting the planet while still having an entertaining cruising experience. EPA estimates put the estimated efficiency of the Solterra at 111 MPGe city / 93 MPGe highway. The Solterra also comes with Regenerative Braking which will help recharge the battery using the energy created through braking. 

Well-Equipped Interior – The Limited trim level of the 2023 Subaru Solterra is loaded with premium comfort and infotainment content for everyone in the vehicle to enjoy. Heated seats throughout the vehicle keep rides in the Solterra pleasant all year long. The SUV also comes equipped with premium content such as integrated navigation for convenience when looking for new destinations around the Great Lakes Bay Region. 

Should I Repair or Replace My Current Subaru?

Important Vehicle Shopping Questions to Ask Yourself

Shopping for a new or pre-owned Subaru in the mid-Michigan region can be an experience that is both exciting and potentially stressful. Whether it’s your first vehicle purchase or you’ve made several over the years, it’s important to make sure that you are confident in your decision to buy. As such, Thelen Subaru in Bay City, MI, is happy to suggest a list of questions that you should be able to answer positively before you stop by our dealership to start shopping. By taking some time to evaluate your current needs, you can more easily find that vehicle that you and your family will love. 

Question Examples to Answer Before Shopping

Is This the Right Time? – It is important for you to decide if it is the right time to purchase your next vehicle. Can you afford to add a new or pre-owned vehicle to your monthly budget? Are you needing a new vehicle to replace one that is currently old or beginning to break down consistently? 

Vehicle Body Style – What kind of vehicle do you need? Are you looking for a sporty sedan that gets excellent fuel economy while also being fun to drive? Is your family getting a new addition and you need to upsize into an SUV? On the other end of the question, are you looking to downsize as your need for an SUV has lessened?

What is My Budget? – If you are confident in this is the right time to purchase a new or new-to-you Subaru, you should take extra time to determine your budget. This will help our sales associates find you the vehicle that meets your needs the best. It can also help steer you towards either a new Subaru or a gently pre-owned Subaru.

What Features Do I Want? – Finally, what extra amenities or safety features do you want your Subaru to have? Are you looking at a basic model that caters to your more functional lifestyle, or are you wanting your family cruiser to be as fully loaded as possible? Do you want to have the freedom to personalize what comes in your new Subaru through custom orders? Are systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control on your list because you plan on taking a summer vacation this year or you frequently find yourself on the highway?

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

Subaru Financing with Less-Than-Perfect Credit

You Can Shop for a Vehicle with Less-Than-Perfect Credit

Trying to navigate the process of owning a quality vehicle when dealing with challenged credit can be a daunting experience. This is especially true when the reason you have this situation is beyond your control. Thelen Subaru wants you to be confident that when you visit us for help purchasing a vehicle that you will love driving around mid-Michigan, you will get the personalized customer service you deserve. Stop by our Bay City dealership today and let us help you determine which options are best for your specific situation. 

Things to Know When Shopping with Challenging Credit

Consider Higher Monthly Payments – Compared to shopping with a more optimal credit score, you will have to handle terms with higher monthly interest rates. However, you can certainly find a vehicle from our inventory that will fit your budgetary considerations. We advise that if you want to offset the higher average interest rate to put more money into your down payment so that your monthly payments are lower as a result. 

Pre-Owned vs. New – While it might be tempting to jump into a new Subaru, we would suggest considering one of the excellent pre-owned options we have in stock. Not only will you still be getting the energetic everyday cruising experience that a modern Subaru offers, but you also likely get to reduce your monthly payments when compared to a new vehicle. 

Ask Questions – Only you know what your expectations are for attempting to start rebuilding your credit while also having a premium vehicle to drive around Mid-Michigan. As such, our financial experts will be happy to help when you bring your questions to us. If you need extra information about how we can help find you monthly terms to make owning a quality Subaru a reality for you, contact us today at 989-324-6976 to speak with a representative. 

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

Vehicle Trade-In Value

Choosing Thelen Subaru for Top Trade-In Value

Are you planning to buy a new Subaru from Thelen Subaru in Bay City, MI, and want to trade in your current vehicle? If so, there are some things you should know to get the most out of your trade-in. By choosing Thelen for your Subaru shopping needs in mid-Michigan, you are getting premier customer service that many customers have come to trust. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal when trading in your Michigan vehicle at our Great Lakes Bay Region dealership.

Tips for Maximizing Your Vehicle’s Trade-In Value

Clean Your Car & Fix Any Issues

Before bringing your car to Thelen Subaru, we highly advise that it’s thoroughly cleaned inside and out. This will help make a good first impression and show that you’ve taken good care of the vehicle. If your car has any issues, it’s a good idea to get them fixed before trading it in if the cost of doing so makes sense. This can help increase the value of your vehicle and make it more appealing to potential buyers when we start to sell it to our customers.

Do Online Research for Preliminary Value Information

We want to not only help you get the best trade-in value for your vehicle, but we also want you to be confident in the evaluation you get for your trade-in. Use the convenient Value Your Trade tool on our website to get preliminary value information about your vehicle. You could also use other mediums such as Kelley Blue Book to get an estimate of your vehicle’s value before you visit our Bay City dealership.

Bring All Necessary Documents

Make sure you bring all the necessary documents with you when trading in your vehicle. This includes the title, registration, and any service records you have. Having all this with you when you bring your vehicle to our dealership will help us provide the best trade-in value possible.

(Photo Credit: Pexels)