The Best Summer Cars On the Lot at Kuehn Motors

Although the last few May showers haven’t made it feel much like summer, it really is right around the corner. That means it’s time to take the top off, roll the windows down and open the sunroof. In Minnesota, we only get 4-5 short months of beautiful weather, so we need to enjoy it while we can.

The best way to enjoy the short-lived summer sun is with your summer shades on, the radio turned up and the breeze running through your hair. To fully enjoy this scenario, though, your car needs to cooperate. We have compiled the three vehicle categories that best capture the spirit of summer.

Pictured: Ford Mustang Convertible

The Summer Cruiser

This is the car you take to weekend events like the family grill-out, baseball games, and pretty much anywhere you want to cruise to while enjoying the weather. The summer cruiser sets you apart because of the way you look and feel while driving it. The best cruisers for summer include vehicles like the Dodge Charger. If you’re looking for something a little more on the convertible spectrum, you might try the classic Ford Mustang Convertible or the super-sporty Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The Road-Trip Hauler

The road-trip hauler is the vehicle you take to family reunions, camping, or on that yearly family vacation. This is the vehicle that you can stuff five suitcases, two duffel bags, a cooler, the dog, and the rest of the family into for the long haul across state lines.

Pictured: Ford Focus SEL Hatchback

If you’re looking for a good road-trip vehicle with more space, try a GMC Acadia or Dodge Durango. If you’re looking for something a bit smaller with better fuel economy, the Ford Focus SEL Hatchback or Ford Edge might be better options.

The Off-Roader

The off-roader is the vehicle you take to the cabin or lake while pulling the old boat behind it. This is the vehicle that’s durable with big tires, perfect for a little summer fun and off-roading.

For every terrain or adventure you take, there is a vehicle to best suit your needs. For the perfect off-roader for your lifestyle, check out a Jeep Wrangler, or Dodge Ram.


Didn’t see your ideal summer ride on this list? Kuehn Motor Company has new vehicles arriving daily. Check our website and view by category, brand, model, and more. There’s still time to get into the perfect summer ride!

Preparing to Sell Your Car: Determine the Value of Your Vehicle

In our last blog post, you learned how to gather the correct paperwork needed to sell your vehicle. When it comes time to market your vehicle, you run into an important question; “How much is my vehicle worth?” Luckily, there are numerous tools and tips you can use to determine the value of your vehicle when you are ready to sell.

Determine Your Car’s Condition

Understanding the condition your car is really in is important to the appraisal process. Most people overestimate the value of their vehicle and can be unaware of maintenance needs. Kelly Blue Book supports getting an inspection report so you can be forthcoming with the condition of the car to potential buyers. If you are selling to a dealership like Kuehn Motors, an inspection report provides proof of your trade-in’s value.

Get An Online Appraisal

The value of your vehicle can be estimated online by a few different tools. Edmunds.com offers an easy-to-use appraisal tool which gives you the value of your vehicle if you sold it to a private party as well as the amount you can expect as a trade-in at a dealership. Kuehn Motors also offers a unique tool in conjunction with Kelly Blue Book to give you the value of your vehicle on our website.

Compare Like Models For Sale

The last tip to help you determine the value of your vehicle is to research similarly listed models in your area. A great tool to do this is on cargurus.com. They have an instant market value tool which appraises your car against other vehicles listed for sale in your area. All you need to do is complete information in their search engine and hit “search listings” to see which vehicles in your market’s area are comparable to yours.


Determining the car's true condition, seeking an online appraisal, and comparing similar vehicles on the market now will help you evaluate your vehicle's worth. Now that you know how to gather necessary documents and determine the value of your vehicle, it's just about time sell!


Tune into our next blog to learn how to make your car look it’s absolute best before you sell.

Finding the Right Car to Fit Your Family

Shopping for and picking out a new car seems like fun, that is, up until the moment you need to make a commitment. With so many options out there, it can seem stressful finding the right car for you and your family. Your choice will likely stay with you for at least a few years, so it is a big decision. With a little research and planning, this task will not seem as daunting. Consider the following:

Assess Your Needs

This is very important to your overall decision.  Begin by considering the features you and your family truly need to narrow down your search:

●      How many passengers do you need to carry?

●      Are you going to be driving on the ice and snow?

●      Where will you be parking?

●      How much will it be driven?

●      Will you be pulling any trailers, campers, or other heavy equipment?

Decide on a Budget

Creating a budget is one of the most important aspects of buying a car. This involves reviewing all your monthly expenses to decide on the maximum amount you are willing to spend.  When you look at a car's price tag, remember to factor in the overall costs of the car. Consider insurance, upkeep, gas mileage and maintenance as well as the purchase price.

New or Used?

This decision might seem like it is solely based on your budget, but used cars have benefits, too. Brand new cars are a good investment much of the time, but they don't have the information and reviews available that used models have. If you do decide to purchase a car that has recently been released, wait a few months to check the reviews from owners.

Fuel Efficiency

Think about your daily routine. Do you travel on highways or city streets more often? Are you making long trips or short ones?  How far or often you regularly drive is a big factor in choosing a car. Larger models are good for hauling cargo (and more people at one time) but do not have the fuel efficiency of a smaller model. Then again, if you have a big family, you might need a second smaller car to accommodate your family's lifestyle. It all depends on your needs.

Before making a choice, test out a few different cars. Again, it is an exciting process, and you don't want to get wrapped up in one model.  After all, these are all important aspects of your decision.

While you are shopping for your new car, be sure to stop by Kuehn Motors. Our friendly and helpful staff will be more than happy to help you on your journey.

Car Maintenance You Can Do At Home

In our last blog, we talked about how prevention and maintenance are important for your car. In this installment, we want to show you a few simple maintenance tasks you can perform at home.

Changing the Air Filter

An air filter needs to be replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles - whichever comes first. This fix only takes about 5 minutes and costs around ten dollars. To start, locate the filter under the hood of your car. (It’s a rectangular box with metal clips on the side.) Open the lid of the box, unclasp the metal clamps, and make a note of which way the filter is facing. Remove the old filter, and replace it with a new one. Close the metal clips when the filter has been replaced.

Changing the Oil and the Oil Filter

Switching out the oil in your car can be a slightly longer task, but it is still a money-saving fix that you can accomplish in under an hour. Before you start, remember to change the oil only when the engine has cooled off. Also, familiarize yourself with how to safely handle a car jack before you start. Once you are ready, unscrew the drain plug and empty the old oil into your oil pan. Replace the drain plug once the oil is drained. At the engine, remove the old oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Gently lubricate the rubber gasket on the new filter with fresh motor oil. Fill the new oil filter about two-thirds of the way with fresh oil. Screw in and high-tighten the new oil filter. Using a funnel, fill the engine with new oil. Using your car’s dipstick, double check the oil level. Discard the old oil and oil filter safely.

Replacing Windshield Wipers

Although the method can be slightly different from vehicle to vehicle, the process of changing your windshield wipers is still an easy one that you can accomplish in 15 minutes. While taking care to see how the old blades connect to the metal arms, lift and remove each windshield wiper blade. Being careful to not bend the new blades or scratch your windshield, insert your new blades. Line the blades up and tightly secure them to your windshield.

Replacing Spark Plugs

In need of replacement every 30,000 miles, switching out your own spark plugs can be one of the biggest money savers you can do at home. Locate the sparks which are attached to thick rubbery wires. Depending on how many cylinders your car has, you may find between four and eight plugs. In order to keep track of the order of spark plugs—integral to the function of your car—remove the wire to the first spark plug only. Use a spark plug socket and extension on your ratchet to remove the first spark plug. Install a new spark plug and tighten for a snug, but not overly tight fit. Reattach the spark plug wire, and repeat for subsequent spark plugs.

Performing your own car maintenance can save you money. While completing your own car maintenance can give you a sense of accomplishment, know when it’s best to seek the help of a professional. Don’t take on too big of a project if you don’t have the skill set; otherwise, you are at risk of injury to yourself and of damaging your car’s performance and function.

For other useful vehicle skills to master, learn how to change a tire, clean your headlights, and perform basic battery maintenance.

For more advanced maintenance, or if you simply don’t have the time, schedule an appointment with Kuehn Motors on our website.

Spring “Kuehn-ing” - Get a Clean Spring Start for Your Vehicle

Finally, springtime has come again to Minnesota! The temperature is barely in the 50’s most days, but that won’t stop us from breaking out our shorts! As cheerful as Minnesotans get this time of year, winter more than likely took a toll on our cars, both inside and out. Now is the time to get your car into tip top shape for the coming spring and summer months. Here are some spring cleaning tips to make this chore easier:

• Clear all trash - Remove all the trash that has been building up over the winter months and organize the things you do still need. Make sure you get all the way under and in-between the seats - you never know what is hiding.
• Clean and wipe down the interior - Get into every nook and cranny of the inside of your car. You can use either store-bought car cleaning items or, if you are on a budget, you can find a multitude of DIY car cleaning suggestions on sites like Pinterest. Be careful, though - some DIY solutions can be potentially harmful to your car if you aren’t familiar with the chemicals or the processes.
• Treat and scrubs spots on carpet and/or car mats - If the spot is stubborn, you’ll more than likely need a product that is deep cleaning and that you’ll leave on to soak for a longer amount of time. If your car mats are extremely dirty, you may want to power wash them.
• Vacuum the interior of the car - Shopvacs tend to work the best if you have one at your disposal. Otherwise, you can use a normal vacuum with attachments to get into tighter spaces. Another option is going to a gas station and using the vacuums available. Remember to remove your floor mats, shake them out, and vacuum them (and the floor underneath) before you return them to the car.
• Wash the exterior of the car - Most everyone has a preference to the solutions they use to wash their car - from the wacky to the tried and true. If you don’t like spending the energy to really scrub your vehicle clean (especially after a winter of salty roads and slush) simply take it to the car wash.
• Change out windshield wipers - If your wipers took on too much of the winter stress, you will want a new pair for spring and summer. Spring rainstorms behave very differently than heavy winter snow, and you’ll want to adjust accordingly.
• Change out winter tires - Your car performs differently in the winter months then spring and summer so it is wise to have two sets of tires if at all possible. Winter tires will wear down faster and do not perform as well in the warmer months (read more here).
• Clean the inside of windows - Over the winter months, the inside windows can get messy. Cleaning them is especially important for nighttime driving or when driving in the rain.

Now it is up to you to get your car fresh and clean for the spring and summer months. However, one lucky Kuehn fan might not have to lift a finger. We will be holding a contest giving away car detailing packages - so you can let the professionals do all the work! For more information, stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages. Good luck and happy spring!

Spring Cleaning The Exterior Of Your Car

As with every spring, the warm weather has been much awaited here in Minnesota.  Now that it is here, (hopefully to stay), it is time to start doing all of the chores that you have put off and do a little spring cleaning. While you know your house needs a good cleaning, your car has endured a hard winter and is surely ready for a little washing.  Follow these simple steps to give your car’s exterior the cleaning it really needs:

1. Hand wash is the best kind of wash.  Don’t settle for running your car through the local car wash.  Take time to grab a bucket full of suds and sponge.  This way you will be sure to not miss any areas that need attention. Be careful about the kind of soap you use on your car. For example, be sure that you DON’T use dish washing detergent; It will strip away your car’s protective coating.

2. Squeegee it. After washing it down, use a rubber blade squeegee to remove all excess water. When water droplets dry on your vehicle, it will leave behind minerals and dirt.

3. Wax on, wax off. When your car was brand new, it had a nice wax coat, but over time, that wax wears off. It is important to give your car a fresh coat of wax because it protects your car from the elements. Pick your favorite kind of wax, whether that be liquid or paste, and follow the directions to apply to your vehicle. If you have the time, apply two coats to ensure all spots are covered.

4. The next area to give some attention to is your windows. Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner and a microfiber towel.  The microfiber cloth works great because it gets rid of cleaner residue as well as oils from your skin.

Once you have done all of these steps, we bet your car will be looking brand new!  Don’t want to go through all of this trouble? We can help. Visit our website and set up an appointment for a car detailing. We promise you- and your car- won’t regret it!

Tips for National Car Care Month from Kuehn Motor Company

Winter is hard on everyone, but after months of snow, ice and salt, it’s especially hard on your vehicle! Just because the elements are gone, doesn’t mean you don’t have to take preventative measures with your car to keep it in excellent shape. April is National Car Care Month and it’s the perfect time for a reminder about the upkeep of your vehicle!

Tires - Without your tires, you’ll be going nowhere! Some people forget to remove their winter tires after the snow is gone. If you don’t, the winter tires can compromise stopping performance and wear out much quicker than all-season tires. You also want to check the wear of your tread because potholes can wreck havoc on your vehicle’s suspension. Make sure the tread is even and that there’s enough to prevent hydroplaning in the wet conditions spring brings. Although this is something you should do often, it bodes as a good reminder to check your tire pressure frequently. Keeping them properly inflated will help combat the summer heat that is sure to come.

Exterior/Interior - Giving your vehicle a good clean isn’t only great for aesthetics, but it prolongs the life of the car. Over the winter, your vehicle probably accumulated some of the road salt used to de-ice the roads and this can be damaging to the exterior- especially the undercarriage. Make sure to vacuum out the interior of your vehicle to reduce seasonal allergies that could be brought on by mud, slush and snow that are tracked in throughout the winter. If you don’t have time to give your car a good cleaning, you can always have it detailed at a service location near you.

Fluids - Your vehicle works harder during the winter than any other season -- especially during a Minnesota winter! Because of this, your vehicle also needs refills on fluids more often. Check the levels and fill them up as needed to make sure your vehicle keeps running smoothly for years to come. Not sure what to look for? The top fluids to check are: engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid.

By performing these simple maintenance tasks, you can keep your vehicle running reliably and avoid future pains. If you hear any grinding, chattering or other noises coming from your vehicle while doing these, make sure to stop by one of our convenient service locations so we can make sure there are no issues. Winter is finally over and spring has arrived; it’s time to hit the open road and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Best Vehicles For Families

Starting a family is a very exciting time in life- nearly everything changes. Parents swap shopping bags for diaper bags, and special nights out for sensational nights in. It’s also probably time to swap your sporty convertible parked in the garage for a more family-friendly car.

Here at Kuehn Motors, we sell top-of-the-line pre-owned vehicles. Included in our extensive inventory from three locations, we boast many family-friendly vehicles. Whether you need to tote around one, two or seven kids, we have the vehicle for you! Here are just a few of our family vehicle options currently in our inventory:

1. This 2007 Chevrolet Suburban LT is available at our Austin location. The vehicle seats up to nine people and comes with many luxuries, including AM/FM radio, a MP3 capable CD player, OnStar capability, DVD player, power seats and Sirius XM capability. With 4-wheel drive, this will be the perfect vehicle to get you and your family safely where you need to go during Minnesota winters!

2. The 2014 Chrysler Town & Country Touring is the ultimate family vehicle. This minivan comes jam-packed with features that both you and your kids will love. These features include Bluetooth, two wireless headphones, Sirius XM radio, an entertainment system with DVD player, wireless streaming, and six speakers. In addition to huge entertainment value, the vehicle also has many noteworthy safety features, including a ParkView rear camera, dual driver and passenger airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control. With only 27,401 miles on this vehicle, this is a deal that your family cannot pass up!

3. 3. This beautiful, bright red 2013 Dodge Journey SXT would make a great addition to your family! It is located at our Rochester location, and at only 32,884 miles, it is practically brand new! This vehicle has three rows of seating so it can easily take you and your whole family wherever you need to go. Standard all-wheel drive means you and your family will be safe in any driving condition. Other features on this vehicle include remote keyless entry, audio jack input, a 4.3” inch touch screen, dual climate control, and power windows- just a few of the many great features that come with this vehicle!

If your family is outgrowing your current vehicle, stop by one of our convenient locations and take a look at some of our family vehicle options. One of our friendly salespeople will be happy to find exactly what you’re looking for at a great price for you and your growing family.

Spring Cleaning For Your Car

Spring is in the air! While it doesn’t feel like spring yet, it is never a bad time to give your car’s interior a little “spring cleaning”.  After the long winter, your car will thank you.  Follow these tips to ensure you give your car the cleaning it deserves:

Get the trash out. To start off your cleaning, grab a trash bag and throw out all trash and unnecessary items you don’t need anymore.  Simply removing the extra clutter in your car will make a world of difference in your car’s appearance. Now, you have a better idea of where the

real work needs to be done.

Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Grab your vacuum hose, and get to work.  Make sure to vacuum out underneath floor mats and in the creases.  You’ll be amazed at how much dirt and debris finds their way into the small crevices of your vehicle!

Scrub away. Go to your local automotive store or supermarket and buy a bottle of automotive upholstery and carpet cleaner and heavy duty scrubbing brush.  Wipe down the carpet and anything cloth covered.  You may need to repeat this step a few times to make sure everything is cleaned well.

The floormats want your attention too! Since you will need to take out the floor mats to vaccuum, give them a good wash, too.  Since they are removable, floor mats are much simpler to clean than the upholstery of your car. Use a garden hose to spray away dirt and debris, or your bathtub (in case it is still a bit too cold for outdoor water.)

Wash the windows. When cleaning the inside of your windows, make sure to use a cleaner specially intended for car windows. Using a home cleaner that contains ammonia will increase fog on your windshield.  After cleaning the insides of your windows, you will notice how much less your windows will fog up when driving.

And to finish up….While you’re cleaning up, its always good to check up on other important areas of your vehicle, such as oil level, tire pressure, and washer fluid levels. After completing all of these tasks, you might just feel like you have a brand new car!

Five Cars That Will Make You Think Spring

It might not seem like it now, but spring and warmer weather are just around the corner! This means days filled with road trips with the top down, picnics at the park and long hikes. Can’t wait? Neither can we! To get you even more excited, we have rounded up some vehicles from our inventory that are sure to get you in the mood for hotter temps!

2010 Dodge Charger SXT 

Sports cars are perfect for sunny days and you’ll be ready for long cruises with this eye-catching Dodge Charger! You’ll want to bring this car on long stretches of road with the impressive sound system and V6 engine. Better yet -- this is a great value for under $15,000! You can’t be afraid of catching eyes when driving this! 

2013 Ford Focus SE 

Although this Ford Focus SE might not be as flashy as the Charger, it’s a perfect warm weather vehicle! The 5-speed manual transmission make it a thrill to drive and it’s economical, getting up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway. Road trips won’t break the bank, and you’ll have plenty of room for luggage in the trunk.

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Want to be the center of attention wherever you go? This amazing Corvette is the car you need to cruise in when the snow is melted. It is equipped with 18 inch polished aluminum wheels and a preferred equipment group, which includes a cargo shade, steering wheel audio controls, heated front seats, a universal garage door opener and more. With all of these incredible features, you’ll be ready for anything. 

2013 Chevrolet Suburban LT 

Gearing up for family road trips and need more room? This Suburban has room for everyone in your family AND their bags! Enough room to pack up for a camping trip or bring half the soccer team to the big game. This Chevrolet Suburban offers all the comforts of a well-optioned sedan with the utility you demand from an SUV.

2013 Cadillac XTS Premium 

Have more sophisticated tastes? Cadillac is a leading name in vehicle luxury and you won’t be disappointed in this well-appointed XTS. This sleek sedan offers 20 inch aluminum wheels, Bose surround system, remote start, OnStar and much more. Whether you’re cruising the town at night or driving to the beach, you’ll definitely feel luxurious in this incredible vehicle.

Ready for fresh air and warm breezes? Stop in to Kuehn Motors to test drive one of these amazing cars or check out our always changing inventory today!

Tips For Safe Driving In Snow

Here in Minnesota, it is essential to know how to drive in the snow.  In Rochester, Minnesota, the average snowfall each year 48 inches. Take a look at these tips to make sure that you will be able to drive safely in during the winter months this year:

• Be prepared. Make sure your tires have at least 6/32-inch of tread.  Having bald tires will make your car slip much more often. Traction on your tires is essential for safe winter driving.  Also, be sure to check your antifreeze level, and make sure that your defroster is working properly.  In addition, equip your car with a ice scraper, snow shovel, and flashlight, and a some non perishable food in the case you get stranded.

• Don’t follow the car in front of you too closely.  While the road might seem fine to you, there may be a patch of black ice you don’t see.  Putting enough room between you and the next car will allow you some room in case you start slipping, or if any other issues occur.  The recommended distance for winter driving is about four car lengths

• Don’t slam on the brakes.  When your car starts slipping on ice, your first reaction may be to slam on the brakes.  Don’t do this.  Slamming on the brakes removes the traction between the ground and your wheels and you will not be able to control your car.  Once you feel your car slipping, instead of braking, ease up on the gas and steer towards the direction of safety.

• Drive slowly.  The most common error in winter driving may be driving too fast.  Driving too fast may will reduce your reaction time if a problem occurs, such as ice or the car in front of you braking.  In addition, it takes your ten times longer to brake on ice than regular pavement.  

• Most importantly, give yourself more time to arrive at your destination.  If it normally takes you fifteen minute to get to work, during the winter months, give yourself at least twenty-five minutes to arrive.  Before driving, make sure your windows are completely clear of ice.  Once your start driving, take your time and look ahead of you in traffic.

Following these tips will help keep you safe during the winter months- drive safely and arrive safely!

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!