Following a seemingly satisfying vehicle purchase Jon and Stacy Nash, of Clinton Iowa, gave me the opportunity to get to know them a little better. Below is a transcript of a conversation filled with laughs and smiles.  They are really an awesome, easy-going couple. Hey guys, what are you doing here at Runde’s today? Oh, we just bought a Chevy Tahoe – we saw it listed on autotrader.com then called up and talked to Al who set everything up for us. Al Kloft of Runde Predriven? He’s a character isn’t he? Ha ha, definitely. He’s very nice, a great person. Ah, so what made you interested in the Tahoe? Well we needed a used vehicle that had a bit more room than the two door cars we have to accommodate our family. Do you have kids? Yeah, we have a 20 year old that works, a 14 year old that is in high school and [...]

Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque recently had the opportunity to make a road trip to the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. We managed to pull up our jaws and glance at our cameras every once in awhile to snap some photos for you. We hope you enjoy viewing a few of the amazing vehicles that were there!   Chevy ran an impressive show with an array of cars including the all- electrical Chevy Volt (left) and the new Equinox (right)    

It’s highly likely that when you get into your car each day and start it up, you don’t give a though to the car’s airbags.  It’s just one of those things that everyone takes for granted during a normal routine day.   Let’s say it’s a beautiful day out as you get out of work and start driving home on a Friday evening. You enjoy the familiar scenes and look forward to getting home and relaxing with the family. Crossing the same intersection you always pass through, you notice a weird noise and look left – it’s a truck – the driver cannot stop and is going to hit you. Preparing for the impact, you wonder how and when the [...]

I recently had an opportunity to interview a friendly face here at Runde. Rolls Royce lover Gary Reiter has been a committed member of Runde Auto Group and is always an awesome guy to be around.  Let’s get to know him a little better.   What do you do here at Runde’s?     I’m the Manager of the Reconditioning Department at Runde Predriven.   How long have you worked here?   Oh, I’ve been here for a little over two years now.  

How awesome would it be if you had a teacher in high school that let you play games in class? In a society being driven by a formula of technology and entertainment, it is important to teach our kids with something that integrates this formula to interact and visually communicate with our kids. The “Activboard”, by Promethean, is a perfect solution for the seamless integration of fun and technology in the classroom. These boards are a fully interactive and totally immersive means to teaching using an up-to-date and involving method of course structure. Runde is helping out in this exciting new way of teaching by donating the money needed to purchase one of these boards to the East Dubuque High School. Students at the East Dubuque High School can claim as to how “awesome” it is to play with the board as they have had one for about a year and a half now. According to [...]

The sixth annual Ice Golf Classic at Midtown Marina was a huge success according to Sandy McDowell, owner of the Marina.  Naked babies flinging arrows at lovers and enough “love” in the air to make Romeo sick didn’t stop people from smacking around tennis balls while playing golf on the ice.   The tournament was originally mapped out in 2004 by a group of men from the area, named the A.M. Hacker, who were just not satisfied by the restrictions winter seemed to place on their golf game. The group got together and started the Ice Golf Classic event shortly after they realized that they could raise money for a good cause while giving people the time of their lives as they play golf on the [...]

Sparked with jealousy and envy I write this post.  I tell you the truth when I say that movie and television characters have it all … especially when it comes to cool cars … cars that me and my fellow co-workers would like to own. We love seeing our favorite characters cruise, leap, fly, chase and occasionally swim with their outrageously sweet rides. Here’s a list of the top 10 cars from movies and television we appreciate the most. #10. The Mystery Machine – Scooby Doo’s van #9. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang #8. Christian Bale’s Batmobile #7. The original Batmobile #6. Herbie (The Love Bug) #5. 1969 Dodge Charger “General Lee” from The Dukes of Hazzard  #4. 1970s Camaro, rebuilt as a 2008/2009 Camaro prototype in the 2007 movie Transformers #3. 1977 Firebird Trans Am from Smokey and the Bandit #2. 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am “KITT” from Knight Rider #1. 67’ Shelby [...]

Say: “What’s the big deal” by the time it took you to say that sentence (approx 2 secs) the modified Ultima GTR would have reached 60 MPH from zero. Maybe you’re thinking “that is absolutely absurd that a car can be that fast” by the time you finish that thought (about 4.5 secs) the car would be just passing up 100 MPH. Marlon Kirby and David Mcmahan implemented an all-aluminum 7.0-liter Chevy small-block v8 with twin turbochargers into the 2700-pound frame of the Ultima GTR. The modification gives an impressive boost with a 1600 horse power rating. The result is the fastest street legal car titled the “Maxximus G-Force” and a horrible gas mileage which runs through a full tank in nine minutes. Winning the lotto might not even be enough to afford one of these blurs of the road with a price tag of $3,000,000.   So you can’t afford an Ultima GTR [...]

Buying a first car for your kid can be a nerve-racking process and making up your mind about how much horsepower is too much can definitely cause stress. Worries of them being in a safe, reliable car can lead to an endless search of what you should buy and with what features. To ease the process a bit, here are some quick tips to follow while making a decision on purchasing your kid’s first vehicle. 1. Size (buy a tank) Several people may think that mid or small-sized cars are the way to go in terms of a first car as they are the “common” type of car that people are comfortable driving. In actuality, however, having a larger car might be a better bet for your kids if you are thinking safety. Larger cars often absorb more force impact from accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration these beasts score significantly better than compact or small sized vehicles. [...]

When people want a good stereo in their vehicle, they normally ask, “Does this have the Bose sound system?” or “Does it come with Bose?”  Bose arguably offers the best vehicle sound system available on the market today. You know you’ve seen them all over the place, the self-acclaimed rock stars and vocalists of the roads. People listening to music so good that it makes them want to impress their audience of steering wheel, cup holder and bobble head characters with beautiful mumbled lyrics and cracking voice. Well now you can be inspired to rock even harder, and not feel as bad of energy waste, with the energy efficient Bose system being implemented in the New 2011 Chevy Volt. Prospective buyers of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will have an option to [...]

The announcement of the Corvette Centennial concept car at the Chicago Auto Show, introduced by GM, has received various opinions here at Runde. When employees were asked what their opinion was about the concept car there was emotion in the air. Some were taken back, like Al Dellabella of Runde Buick, who said “That looks like something from the 60’s with the front fender and the torpedo rear window.” Others were shocked by the build. They call it a concept car for a reason…” The car is modeled from the original 1959 Stingray racer and will be featured in the upcoming movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen which will be released on June 26th. The Corvette will be the character Sideswipe from the movie (shown below).  There is no plan of the [...]

Becky Kuhl who works in the upstairs office of Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque was kind enough to give us a little of her time and a little insight into what makes her tick.  It’s been said here at Runde’s that Becky is “so very Mary Tyler Moore”.   You can be the judge as you checkout what she had to say:   What do you do here at Runde’s?   I am the Incentive Administrator for Runde Chevrolet. Basically, I report to GM the new Chevrolet units that are sold and then I apply for the correct incentives for each model. For some customer rebates, certain documents are required. I’m the one who ensures that customers present us with the proper documentation at the time of the sale.  [...]

Check out the most recent reviews from Runde Customers. These reviews come from a variety of sources. Some are from reviews that customers posted online and others are from surveys that were mailed out to customers.  Whatever the case, it seems the word on the street about Runde’s is all good.   My fiance, Don Stadel bought his new truck at Runde’s last October or November …. Looking forward to doing more business with Runde’s…We were so pleased with your service and honesty. It was nice to work with such an awesome team….Don was a Ford man and I changed his mind….CHEVY IS THE BEST !!!! and he is so pleased of his choice….we do BRAG on the choice that we have made….. [...]

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show in Davenport, IA.  This automotive extravaganza will be held once again at the River Center February 6th through the 8th.   If you are in the that area this weekend, definitely check it out. Runde Auto Group unfortunately won’t be represented at this auto show as it would be a bit of a long-distance haul to take our new vehicles all the way to the Davenport area.  So why are we taking the time to mention this auto show that’s approximately 70 miles away?  It’s funny you should ask.   Each year the Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show hands out at least one scholarship to a student planning to attend college or an automotive technical trade school.  This award is intended for a student who is actively involved in academic and extra-curricular activities.  The individual also is required to demonstrate achievement in [...]

American auto makers have been thrown under the bus quite frequently over the last few months by members of the media and by members of Congress.  However, Runde Auto Group urges you to seek out factual information about the American auto makers before casting judgment.  Please take a few minutes to look over this brief quiz to see how much you’re actually aware of! QUESTIONS: 1. What country builds vehicles that occupy two of the top three spots for long-term reliability? Germany Japan Korea United States 2.  As of August ’07, which manufacturer had the most recalls in the U.S. that year? Chrysler Ford GM Nissan Toyota Volkswagen 3.  What brand in this group has the highest initial quality?                 Acura  Chevrolet  BMW Mazda 4.  Which of the following mid-size sedans has the highest initial quality? Accord (Honda) Altima (Nissan) Camry (Toyota) Malibu (Chevrolet) 5.  Which of the following pickups has the highest initial quality? [...]

I just grabbed this video off of YouTube and it pulled me in because I had to find out what the question was.   It’s titled: Fifty People, One Question.  At first I had to keep watching to find out what the question was.  And as I continued to watch, I couldn’t help but notice the cross-section of America that was captured in this little 7 minute video.  The people in the video were just everyday normal people who could have been from anywhere in this great country of ours.  The could have been from Lancaster, Wisconsin or Stockton, Illinois.  The point I’m trying to make is that people are people – no matter where they’re from and you’ll find similarities in various cross-sections of people regardless of geography or socio-economic standing.  People are people and we are all related to each other in that we’re all Americans … one nation, under God, with liberty and justice [...]

We would like all of our Runde Auto Group customers and acquaintances who have become attached to their satellite radio to know there is a rate increase on the horizon that will be coming  from both Sirius and XM Radio.   The increase will be $2.00 a month per subscription.  Also plan on paying $2.99 more a month for Internet streaming radio and the monthly increase is scheduled to go into effect on 3-11-09.   XM & Sirius have said that customers can lock-in their current rates by renewing their subscription before that date.  Customers can extend their subscription by as much as 3 years at a time.  Inflation, inflation, inflation … If you are like me and have grown to enjoy the satellite channels, you’ll probably want to take advantage of locking in the old rates while you can.   I love the minimization of commercials and I also love the fact that I don’t have to [...]

The 2010 Ford Taurus made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show and it was an instant hit.  And this chic design may just be what the doctor ordered to resurrect Ford’s flagship model.   It will be heading to the Chicago Auto Show next and is sure to turn heads. Once upon a time (in 1985), Ford introduced the Taurus and it was immediately ridiculed by some critics who said that it resembled a jelly bean or a flying potato.  Nevertheless, the car’s popularity took off as Americans were eager to buy this mid-sized, unique-looking, front wheel drive car.  For five years straight in the 1990’s this aeronautical spud of a car outsold all other cars on the market as sales were in excess of 400,000 Taurus sedans annually.  During the late 90’s and early 2000’s, Taurus sales steadily declined until they discontinued production of the Taurus altogether in 2006.  Some blame the conservative designing [...]

Chrysler buyers and the American Auto Industry got a shot of adrenalin earlier this week.  Because of the U.S Treasury’s recent move to provide Chrysler Financial with up to $1.5 billion in loan dollars, the lender will now offer 0% financing on select Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models. Qualified new vehicle buyers can apply for 0% interest for up to 60 months on ’08 and ’09 model-year Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander, Wrangler, Chrysler Town & Country, 300,  Dodge Grand Caravan, Charger, Magnum, Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram HD, and Challenger. Chrysler vice chairman and president Jim Press had this to say about the announcement, “From both a customer and dealer perspective, it is exciting news that the Treasury Department is providing funding to Chrysler Financial. Now our customers, including those with scores in the 620 range, will be able [...]

Most of us caught at least some of the Presidential Inauguration on Tuesday.   The closest I got to Washington D.C. was in front of my own RCA  27″ television set.  (I’ve never quite figured out why they call it a set if there’s only one TV).  Anyway, I heard one of the newscasters rattle off the definition of the word inauguration and I thought she said something about it being a commencement of something in light.  I could have sworn that she used the term “in light”.  However, when I looked up the definition a little later, I didn’t see anything in reference to that.    Webster’s actually defines the term inauguration as the formal beginning of a new movement, a new system, or a new condition.  If we’re in store for a new condition, we’ll that’s probably music to many ears.  Like any hard-working American, I’ll take the good with the bad (and we actually witnessed plenty of both in 2008).  [...]

I had a talk with Runde customer Jim Petelle from Apple River (near Stockton, Illinois) as he waited for service to finish working on his vehicle. He was a very nice guy, and when I asked him for a photo, he replied with “I’m glad I shaved this morning.” Runde Auto Chat: What kind of vehicle are you having serviced, and what made you bring it in? Jim Patelle: It’s a Chevy Silverado 1500. The heater went out. I kind of need one of those these days. Runde Auto Chat: Did you buy the truck from us? Have you bought any other vehicles here? Jim Patelle: I bought it from Runde’s, but it was the first vehicle I had purchased here. Runde Auto Chat: What do you like about [...]

The completely redesigned 2010 Buick LaCrosse will begin production this summer. The Buick Enclave started Buick’s plan for redefining their brand. The LaCrosse has definite potential in the female market segment, and GM is very excited about their restored product. Susan Docherty, the new North America VP of Buick, Pontiac, and GMC, met with Jody DeVere, President and CEO of AskPatty.com, to discuss the new LaCrosse and its features. Susan Docherty had this to say about the All-New luxury sedan:  “The new LaCrosse was created with great attention to detail, craftsmanship and advanced technology. It builds on the success of Enclave as the next step in Buick’s transformation. And, as with Enclave, our goal is to attract a whole new buyer to our dealerships for LaCrosse.” The LaCrosse will offer the capabilities of an all-wheel drive vehicle in a family car. You get your choice of 2 V6 engines, as well as some impressive [...]

We received the following note of thanks this week from the daughter of one of our newest customers … Barbara Schroeder.   We just want to let you now we are so happy with our mother’s purchase.  Wayne Konrardy of your Dubuque area store was great.    Our mother (Barbara Schroeder) was in a car accident and totaled her Chevrolet Malibu which she had purchased through Wayne, and we were able to have Wayne help us again to get her another Malibu which she really wanted because she really liked her other one.   Wayne was great with MOM and made her feel great even though it was a bad situation.  He was able to get her into something 4 years newer and very close in options plus she got heated seats and [...]

Next Saturday, January 17, 2009, the first regular retail production 2010 Camaro coupe – featuring a VIN ending with 100001 — will be auctioned to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the American Heart Association in their fight against heart disease and strokes. Last year at Barrett-Jackson, GM auctioned off the first production unit of the ZR1 Corvette which went for a cool million. In the event you are unable to make it to Scottsdale, Arizona for the event, remember you can watch all the live action on the “SPEED” channel so be sure to check local listings for time and channel.   Regular production of Chevy’s new pony car will commence a month after the auction takes [...]

The new Runde Auto Group car wash is currently running a special that will only last for a limited time. About a month ago, Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque opened the doors of its new automated car wash to the public.  The opening of the car wash seemed to come at just the right time as the winter weather is currently doing an excellent job of dirtying the vehicles we Tri-State residents try so diligently to keep clean.  The automated car wash is a touch-free drive-thru that provides washes for as low as $5.00.  For convenience, the machine at the front entrance accepts cash or credit card payments.  The car wash is located at 501 St. Mary’s drive just across the road from St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School. It’s open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.  This new facility actually houses both a touch-free car wash [...]