Graduating From College? These Are The Best Vehicles For Recent Grads

As a student fresh out of college, you’ve probably spent the past four years memorizing the bus schedule or driving around in your old high school beater car. Now, it’s time to turn in the books, and the rusted car keys, for your first job as a college graduate. You may not be able to afford a flashy sports car or a brand new SUV right out of school, but now that you’re in the professional world, it’s time to get a more reliable, nicer looking, used vehicle.

Our list includes a wide range of vehicles that we have in stock at Kuehn Motors to fit any recent graduates’ needs. Whether you need something that gets great gas mileage or if you want something roomier, we have you covered at Kuehn!


2011 AUDI A4 2.0T PREMIUM PLUS  

This used Audi will turn heads wherever you go. It’s a sport sedan with a sleek design and features great fuel economy and a Titanium Sport Package. If you are looking for luxury, but are still on a budget, this Audi is the right car for you.

 2011 Buick Regal CXL RL3

You may not realize this is a Buick with a first glance. The sporty sedan is a smooth and reliable ride, perfect for college graduates at a great price. The car has a full range of standard convenience and safety features in a fashionable package. With low miles and a superior maintenance record, this car won’t be on our lot for very long!






2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport Fleet LTZ

Are you looking for something roomier and all wheel drive? This Chevy Captiva handles great in the winter with solid steering, superior acceleration and increased stability and safety. With the dependability of Chevrolet, this is the perfect SUV to help you transition from college life and even into family life. This model is equipped with some of the most amazing wheels the market has to offer -- and you’ll realize it as soon as you take it for a test drive!



No matter what your needs are, we offer a wide range of models and makes of vehicles to fit exactly what you need. Congratulations to the class of 2014 and upcoming class of 2015!

It’s Time For a New Car -- Where Do I Start?

When it is time to buy a new vehicle, there are a lot of options. You can scour Craigslist ads and other marketplace sites for hours, browse the classified ads and set up meetings to test drive vehicles, or you can make it a one-stop-shop at Kuehn Motors.

According to DMV.org, there are many advantages to purchasing a vehicle from a dealership and not a private party.

- Dealers must adhere to very stringent operating and selling procedures, meaning you are less likely to end up with a lemon.

- Dealers can provide warranties on vehicles, even used.

- Dealers can offer financing options.

- Dealers can be easily contacted if there are any problems with the vehicle.

- Dealerships will usually help you with your state DMV’s titling and registration process.

- You have the choice of a variety of cars in one location.

- And many more...

With something as important as a vehicle purchase, you want to keep the guessing game out of the equation. Your vehicle gets you to work on time in the morning, transports your children to school and activities, and brings your family on the summer road trip you’ve been waiting for.

Kuehn Motors is one of Southern Minnesota’s largest dealerships, with three convenient locations in Rochester, Austin and Spring Valley. Along with our wide selection of preowned cars, trucks, vans and commercial vehicles, we offer a complete service department and full body shop to take care of all your vehicle needs.

Whether your family is growing, your car is a lemon, or it’s just time for an upgrade -- when it’s time for a new car, stop into Kuehn Motors and let us help you!

You Might Be Ready For Winter, But Is Your Car?

In Minnesota, there’s no telling when winter will hit. By September, we’ve already stocked up on boots, winter jackets, mittens and hats -- just in case. You feel ready and prepared for the cold, snowy season to arrive, but is your car ready?

Just like winterizing your house and throwing on an extra layer before you leave for work in the morning, your car needs winterizing, too. There’s no avoiding the winter, so the sooner you prepare for it, the more comfortable you’ll feel when the first snowflakes hit the ground.

Here are some tips on how to get your car ready for winter! 

Make sure you have enough antifreeze: If you run low on coolant, that water in your radiator can freeze, which prevents it from flowing freely and cooling the engine. If this happens, your engine can overheat, despite the cold temperatures outside.

Make sure your tires have adequate tread: If the treads are worn on your tires, replace them. Or, better yet, invest in a set of snow tires. Snow tires have better traction in snowy weather and are equipped to better handle treacherous winter driving.

Check your wiper blades: It’s a good idea to get a set of winter wiper blades. These cut through snow and ice better to keep your view of the road clear and unobstructed.

Get a pre-winter tune up: Bring your car into Kuehn Motors for an inspection before winter comes. We can check the battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes and defroster to make sure all systems are functioning properly.

Get a good wash and wax: Rinsing off the road salt throughout the winter can protect the paint on your car, but go the extra mile and get a good wash and wax before the elements hit to better protect the appearance of your car!

If you follow these tips, you’ll be in good shape -- even when there’s 11 inches of fresh powder on the ground.

5 Best Day Trips from Rochester

Getting a little stir crazy? Need to get on the road and explore before we hunker down for winter? Even if you don’t have the budget for a week-long vacation, you can still get away! Kuehn Motors has a list of favorite destinations that are only a car ride away!

Emma Krumbee’s Apple Orchard
507 East South Street
Belle Plaine, MN 56011
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 45 minutes northwest.

Although it’s only a seasonal attraction, it’s one of our fall favorites! Open mid-August through October, Emma Krumbee’s Apple Orchard is packed with tons of family fun! The orchard features farm animals, Emma’s Mountain Slide, a wagon ride, U-Pick apples, pumpkins and berries and a Scarecrow Festival! While you are there, make sure to check out the General Store and Restaurant!


Lark Toys
63604 170th Ave
Kellogg, MN 55945
Distance from Rochester: 45 minutes northeast.

One of our family favorites! Lark Toys is unique, fun, and perfect for chilly days! With over 20,000 sq. ft. to explore, it’s sure to keep you busy for a whole day! Lark Toys is one of the largest family owned and operated specialty toy stores in the nation. The store is divided into different specialty sections and boasts an indoor carousel During the warmer months, you can check out Lark’s outdoor mini golf course, too!


Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 15 minutes north.

Another great year-round attraction, the Minnesota Zoo is truly a Minnesota gem! Almost 3,000 animals call this zoo their home in the outdoor and indoor exhibits. Children and parents alike can learn about how Minnesota farms operate and develop a sense of community in the popular Wells Fargo Family Farm. There is always something fun and interesting to see and learn at the zoo -- a great trip for all ages!


Mystery Cave State Park
21071 County 118
Preston, MN 55965
Distance from Rochester: 55 minutes south.

Love exploring? Head south in the summer months (and some fall dates!) and check out a guided tour of Minnesota’s longest known cave. The cave is a sight to behold at any age, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and beautiful underground pools, and a maze of interconnecting passages. Sound dangerous? It’s not -- modern lighting and walkways make the tours accessible to just about anyone!


Brown County Historical Society
2 North Broadway
New Ulm, MN 56073
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 53 minutes west.

More of a history buff? The Brown County Historical Society in New Ulm features exhibits including Century Farms, early settlement, The Art of Wanda Gag and award winning U.S.- Dakota War of 1862. The research library is one of the best in the state, boasting extensive family records and business and history files.

Don’t Sacrifice Safety When Buying Your Teen’s First Car

From diapers, to the first day of school, to getting their driver’s license -- kids grow up quick! When it’s time for them to start driving on their own, you not only want a safe and reliable vehicle, you want something affordable. Kuehn Motors has a variety of options for you at our three locations and we can provide excellent recommendations for your teenager’s first car.

For many families, a 2014 Safety Vehicle Top Pick isn’t an option, but there are elements of these vehicles that we can look for in our Used Vehicle Inventory.

Factors we consider when helping you pick out the perfect car include:

High Horsepower: Young drivers should stay away from vehicles with high horsepower because powerful engines can tempt them to test limits.

Bigger and Heavier: Bigger and heavier cars, including small SUVs, protect better in the case of a crash.

Safety Rating: Consider your budget, and look for vehicles that have the highest safety rating possible. The mean price of a teenager’s vehicle is about $9,800, but the median is only $5,300. While there are many options in the $9,800 price range, there are very limited options around $5,300. When it comes to your child’s safety, consider paying a little more.

At Kuehn Motors, we pride ourselves on giving our customers options. See below for current inventory selections that would make great first vehicles, plus safety ratings! (Inventory subject to change)

2006 Nissan Xterra X - Small SUV, low miles, great condition! Read Safety Rating by IIHS.

2004 Chevy Tahoe - Larger SUV, automatic transmission and clean! Read Motor Trend Safety Rating.

Featherlite Trailers

In the world of trailers, the name Featherlite continues to rise to the top. With a commitment to design, durability and customization, it’s no question why we here at Kuehn are a licensed distributor. 

Featherlite, founded in Oklahoma in 1973, is a business-to-business manufacturer of every kind of trailer under the sun. After a brief company relocation to Minnesota, Featherlite now makes its home in Cresco, Iowa.

Today, Featherlite has the distinction of being the oldest, all-aluminum trailer manufacturer. They’ve grown and maintained a loyal clientele, including a host of some of the most well-known Fortune 500 companies.

Featherlite is also the official trailer of NASCAR, supplying 85% of the NASCAR Sprint Cup teams.

Featherlite trailers are certainly not just for major corporations. They’re customizable for every type of hauling purpose - horses, livestock, cars, ATV / snowmobiles, cargo and, well, more or less anything you need to take from one point to another.

Here at Kuehn, we’re ready to work with you on selecting and customizing the best Featherlite trailer to fit your needs. We also have an inventory of used Featherlite trailers that might be just what you’re looking for.  Ring us up and we’ll get you on the right path!