What is the history of Thayer Family Dealerships in Bowling Green, Ohio?

Thayer Family Dealerships has a long-standing history dating back to 1935, when Ralph Thayer founded the original dealership in Weston, Ohio. The business later moved to Bowling Green in 1951 and expanded over the decades, adding multiple brands and growing into a multi-location automotive group serving Wood County and surrounding areas. For nearly 90 years, our family legacy of continuous growth and community commitment has helped establish Thayer Family Dealerships as a trusted name in Bowling Green.

What areas does Thayer Family Dealerships serve?

Thayer Family Dealerships serves drivers throughout Wood County and surrounding Northwest Ohio communities, including Bowling Green, Tontogany, Cloverdale, Portage, and Toledo, as well as nearby cities and other parts of the greater region.

How many locations does Thayer Family Dealerships have?

Thayer Family Dealerships has six locations, all in Bowling Green, Ohio. Thayer Family Dealerships: Thayer Chevrolet, Thayer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Thayer Ford,Thayer Honda,Thayer Nissan,Thayer Toyota

Can I shop for vehicles online at Thayer Family Dealerships?

Yes, you can shop for vehicles online at Thayer Family Dealerships, making it easy to browse new, used, and certified pre-owned inventory from the comfort of your home. Every Thayer Family Dealerships' website lets you search for available vehicles, compare options, and schedule a test drive. You can also use tools to estimate payments, value your trade-in, and apply for financing, helping streamline the buying experience before visiting one of our six dealerships.

Do all Thayer Family Dealerships offer financing?

Yes, our network of Thayer Family Dealerships offers auto financing options, with a dedicated finance team of experts ready to help secure competitive financing rates and terms for loans or leases. Thayer Family Dealerships also provides online resources, including our secure Credit Application. Visit Thayer Family Dealerships' websites and locations today to get pre-approved, value your trade-in, and more, for family-owned convenience.

Do all Thayer Family Dealerships offer auto service and repairs?

Yes, every Thayer Family Dealerships location in Bowling Green offers auto repair services, including routine maintenance and repairs. From our parts centers to the collision and body shop, your vehicle’s care is in the trusted hands of certified service experts, and you can even order parts online. Schedule routine services for brakes, tires, oil changes, battery, engine, and more today by calling one of the six Thayer Family Dealerships or visiting the location websites for added convenience.

Do all Thayer Family Dealerships accept trade-ins?

Yes, Thayer Family Dealerships accepts trade-ins at all six of our Bowling Green locations. Check the value of your trade-in online with convenient tools and resources, including a payment calculator. Opt in for pre-approval to unlock your fair trade-in value, and check out vehicle upgrade options and financing for all credit types and budgets.

Thayer Family Dealerships Care

Check Thayer Family Dealerships for rebates, promotions, events, and specials. From Cars & Coffee to the annual BG 4x4 Fest and the Car and Truck show, Thayer Family Dealerships has been your trusted family-owned business serving Bowling Green, Ohio, since 1935. Visit Thayer Family Dealerships today, Bowling Green’s trusted automotive group.

The Best Toyotas for College Grads & First-Time Buyers in 2025

Updated September 2026 by Savvy Dealer Inc.

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Just graduated? Buying your first car? Congratulations-this is a big moment! Whether you're heading into a new job, moving to a new city, or just looking for reliable wheels, Thayer Toyota is here to help make your first car-buying experience stress-free (and even fun).

With award-winning reliability, impressive fuel efficiency, and smart technology, Toyota vehicles are some of the best choices for college grads and first-time buyers in Ohio. Plus-you may qualify for Toyota's $500 College Graduate Rebate on select new models!

What First-Time Buyers Should Look For

These are the factors and features that most first-time buyers prioritize:

Affordability
Fuel efficiency
Low maintenance costs
Safety features
Easy-to-use tech

Toyota checks all those boxes-and then some.

Top Toyota Picks for First-Time Buyers & Grads

Toyota Corolla
Why it's great:

Starts under $25K depending on trim level
Up to 41 MPG on the highway
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard
Sleek design and Apple CarPlay(R)
Best for: Daily commuters, city drivers, and anyone who wants great value with low ownership costs.

Toyota Camry

Why it's great:

A step up in size and power
Available in gas or hybrid
Still extremely affordable to own
Sporty SE and XLE trims add style and comfort
Best for: Grads who want something more refined but still practical.

Toyota Prius

Why it's great:

Iconic hybrid with 50+ MPG
Newer models look sharper than ever
Great for long commutes or urban driving
Best for: Eco-conscious grads or those facing a long work commute.

Toyota RAV4

Why it's great:

A compact SUV that's easy to drive
More cargo room for travel, pets, or gear
Hybrid option available
Available AWD for Ohio winters
Best for: First-time SUV buyers or adventurous grads who need more space.

Don't Forget the $500 College Grad Rebate!

Toyota is helping new grads start off strong. If you graduated in the last two years-or will in the next six months-you could get $500 off a new Toyota with approved financing through Toyota Financial Services. Just bring proof of graduation and employment (or a job offer), and our finance team will help with the rest.

Let's Find Your First Toyota

At Thayer Toyota, we've helped hundreds of new buyers take home a vehicle they love-with no pressure, and plenty of support. If you're a first-time buyer or recent grad near Bowling Green, Toledo, Perrysburg, or Findlay, stop by and test drive the Toyota that fits your future.