Michael Steiner from Potosi Wisconsin is one of the nicest college students I have ever had the privilege of getting to know. Recently, Michael sat down with me for a quick interview so that any wide web surfers like you could get to know him a little. Alright Michael, so why don’t you start by telling us what brought you to Runde’s today? I bought a Ford Focus. What led you to that car? Mine kind of went out on me. The price was right and the miles are right for the Focus.  It’s a good car. What are you going to use the car for? Pretty much going back and forth from school to work. Why did you look to Runde’s instead of other dealerships? A couple days ago I drove through all the lots in Dubuque and Lancaster, WI.   Turned out that Runde’s had a couple of cars that caught my [...]

The Cortes family recently stopped into Runde’s and bought a GMC Acadia. They were kind enough to sit down with me for a quick interview explaining their experience at Runde’s. What brought you to Runde’s? We were interested in the GMC Acadia we saw advertised. How was the test drive? It drove great;  the GMC Acadia is a very nice looking vehicle. Al was your salesman … what did you think of him? He’s a good man, a nice guy, very helpful. Daughter: “A bad meanie boy – just kidding!” How would you guys rank Runde’s on a Scale of 1-10? Probably a high eight. What do you plan on doing with the new GMC Acadia? Travel and have fun. It’s an SUV – is it for storage at all? No, pretty much just for traveling – it’s bigger than our current car so if we needed to, we could use it for some storage. [...]

Keith Klein came in today to buy a vehicle. Before he left he was kind enough to let us interview him without any sort of bribery, thievery, or trickery. To our amazement, we sat down and got to know him a little better. What brought you to Runde’s today? Bought a car for my daughter – a Chevy Cavalier.  Runde’s has always been a good place to buy a vehicle. Is it for school? Yea, back and forth – school and work. She works 15 miles away, up in the country, so it’s nice for her to have her own transportation. Did she want the car or was it more of a “dad” decision? Well, she was looking at a bunch [...]

What are Baskets Of Care?  Well in order to understand that, you’ll first need some background information about Dubuque’s very own Maria House. It’s almost time to decorate those eggs and indulge in candy – Easter is approaching quickly (April 12th) and some people may not get the opportunity to celebrate the holiday.  That’s why organizations like Maria House here in Dubuque, Iowa are starting to gather materials to build baskets.  The baskets are intended for families who receive aid from Maria House so that everyone can celebrate Easter and have fun during the Easter holiday. Sherry McDonell who has been a member of Maria House since before it opened explained to us the way the organization works.  Sherry, who “absolutely loves working for Maria House” [...]

Bill Brosnahan, president and tournament director of the Walleye Anglers Trail, stopped by the Runde PreDriven Store near Dubuque today to talk fishing and to allow me to gain a better understanding of what’s W.A.T. Hello Bill, so I hear you have a big fishing event coming up, care to explain it a bit? Oh sure, the tournament circuit has been in existence since 1999. Now, there are four annual Walleye tournaments held on the Mississippi river … usually stretching from Genoa, WI to Albany, IL. How many people participate in the event? There are 35 teams as of today, it will probably get up to 40 teams before the Genoa tournament which takes place April 5th. Teams consist of two people, usually partners, friends, or father and son. The competitors can fish in three different pools in each area we go to.  

Dave Hoekstra drove from Chicago to the Dubuque area today to pick up his new truck at Runde Auto Group.  So I hear that you came from Chicago to be here today, how was the ride up here? It was good, left early enough – around 6,  it was quiet. Are you from Chicago? Well yea, just one town west of Chicago. How did you find Runde? After looking around for awhile I found Runde through AutoTrader. What were you looking for? I spotted the Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab so I called and Al Kloft of Runde PreDriven answered the phone. He was very nice and helped me throughout the whole process. That’s great to hear! So where in Chicago are [...]

How often do you get a chance to help someone out in Dubuque, Iowa? Chances are that there are several opportunities for you to help someone, but how often do you actually help? Connie Jo and Chuck, owners of Chuck -n- Jo’s restaurant, (located on 890 Iowa St in Dubuque, IA) did not let an opportunity pass when they came up with “Easter Baskets of Love” Started three years ago, Easter Baskets of Love supplies children in need of an Easter basket that’s filled with toys, candy and other Easter goodies. Kids from organizations such as the Maria House and St. Mark’s are given the baskets. Everything is 100% donated and the work is all volunteer based – businesses (including Runde Auto Group) within the community donate items for [...]

What is Ford MyKey?  Well the following article will try to answer that question as clearly and concisely as possible.  As our society continues to grow, it seems like safety is a number one concern. From safety on the Internet to safety in your vehicle, there are safety upgrades integrated in almost all facets of life. Ford takes no exception to this rule as seen by the announcement of optional safety features available on the upcoming 2010 Ford Focus. Options like the teen-monitoring Ford MyKey system (see video below for more info) and Ford’s automated parking system will be available as options  in the Escape, as well as the Escape Hybrid that go on sale this summer. Ford is aiming to spread these features across the board of their available models. While other vehicles, such [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

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….. [...]

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? [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Check out this Suzuki Equator walkaround video that was filmed at Runde Auto Group in Hazel Green, WI.  This black Equator is a truck that is sure to turn some heads. The dictionary defines “equator” as an imaginary line that goes around the circumference of the earth. Suzuki defines “Equator” as a non-imaginary truck that will take you practically anywhere you’d like to go on earth. Check out the new Suzuki Equator that recently arrived at Runde Suzuki in Hazel Green, WI:   Equipped with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque or a 4.0-liter V-6 that puts out an impressive 261 hp and 281 lb-ft. 7-year / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Available with the RMZ-4 Off-Road Package. Tows up to 6500 lbs. Kelly Blue Book could hardly believe all that the new Equator has to offer. Check out what they recently had to say about it … [...]

The Midwest can have some ‘interesting’ winter driving conditions throughout the seemingly never-ending winter season. It think it would be a lot easier if we all attended the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and actually learned how to drive in winter conditions. They have three ice-covered tracks with soft snowbanks to use as learning tools. I think all of us can relate to the crazy All-Wheel Drive vehicles flying past us on the interstate and then finding them in the median about a mile up the road. Or there is the other end of the spectrum…the people who have their white knuckles clenched to the wheel driving 35 mph when there is just a dusting of snow on the road.   Mark Cox is the school director at Bridgestone, and he has provided some tips to making it through the winter in one piece. Cox says when drivers are about to get behind [...]

More than 335,000 Americans are employed by the Big 3 Automakers in our country, and Runde Auto Group employs over 120 people in the Tri-State Area. One out of ten people in America are employed in a service that is related to the U.S. auto industry. Please show your support:   and select “I’m a Concerned American” or call: (866) 874-9356!   Imagine what the lack of competition will do the the cost of your next vehicle….no matter what the make is.  The lack of any new domestic makes, will force Americans to buy new imports or used vehicles.  Every American should ask themselves: Will I have to wait longer for my new vehicle because there is a backorder on parts for it?  Will I have to pay substantially more than the suggested list price or book value because of a possible vehicle shortage?   If we were to lose the Big 3, [...]

Thanksgiving Day is tomorrow, and you all know what that means…TURKEY!!  Ms. Donna Ginter, a resident of Dubuque, is about to have her 47th annual FREE Thanksgiving dinner. It will be held at the Dubuque Knights of Columbus on Locust Street. Every year, Ms. Ginter and many volunteers cook SEVENTY 25-pound turkeys and 6 different kinds of salad.  They also buy dinner rolls and pies to feed those less-fortunate or shut-in people in the community. Last year’s meal fed about 2,400 people. Ms. Ginter had about approximately 260 volunteers.  They used 75 cars to deliver meals and they went through 57 turkeys. She organizes 2 festivals during the year (Catfish Festival and Riverfest), and is a food vendor at Dubuquefest. The money she makes at her booth is used to fund the Thanksgiving dinner. She also receives donations throughout the year from people and businesses. This year is a special one for [...]

The Runde PreDriven dealership up by the Three Mile House Supper Club has a new vehicle on the premises: the Suzuki Carry. Imported from Japan, these quality off-road 4WD mini-trucks can be used in the United States as farm utility vehicles, ranch trucks, and hunting vehicles. They can be used on golf courses, in parks, at campgrounds, resorts, schools, municipalities, for nursery/landscaping businesses and more. The uses for these tough little trucks are seemingly endless. Right now only used ones can be purchased in the US. New ones haven’t been mass-imported to the US yet, but if they do ever get here in large numbers, watch out for the Carry! The Carry is used to haul our water tanks for washing vehicles and other equipment needed on the lot. The Carry [...]

Dale Bird was in our dealership waiting for his vehicle to get finished in service. I stole a few minutes of his time to discuss his experience with Runde’s. Runde Auto Chat: What kind of vehicle are you having serviced? Is it a routine appointment? Dale Bird: It’s a Chevy Impala. It just needed an oil change. RAC: Did you buy the vehicle at Runde Chevrolet? DB: Yes, I bought it new here. RAC: Have you bought any other vehicles from us? DB: Yes, probably about 4 or 5. RAC: What do you appreciate most about Runde’s and how they do business? DB: It’s convenient. I live about 2 miles from here in Dubuque. RAC: Do you have any children or grandchildren? DB: We have 3 boys, and 2 grandchildren: 1 boy and 1 girl. They live in Indianapolis, Indiana. RAC: What kinds of activities are they involved in? DB: Lots of sports, but [...]

When customers begin looking for a new car, and a salesman mentions a ‘program car’ or rental, it has traditionally sent a red flag into their minds. But there are a lot of things most people don’t know about program cars. Sure, about 90% of them were rental cars, but rental cars are not beat on like some people stereotypically like to think. The rental companies actually maintain them better than some private owners. They always have their oil changed on time because the rental companies keep track of the odometer readings like clockwork.  Rental vehicles also come from southern states like California, Florida, or Arizona most of the time, so they do not have the hard winters and salty roads wearing on the paint. Did you know when you are considering purchasing a program [...]

Future teen drivers wait in anticipation for the day they turn 16 and can get their driver’s license, while parents grimace at the thought of their children growing up and going off on their own in their first car.  National statistics show demonstrate that teenagers are involved in wrecks 9 times as often than adults. Teens also tend to not wear their seatbelts without parents in the vehicle. American Family Insurance was fully aware of the anxiety caused by teenage drivers, and developed a program called Teen Safe Driver that allows parents some relief. American Family Insurance provides a camera that’s placed by the rearview mirror on the inside of the car. The camera provides two streaming images 1) an image of inside the car and 2) an image of [...]

What is the most scenic view that you’ve experienced in the Dubuque area? Today began as a pretty normal day at work, until my boss sent me to take pictures without telling me what exactly I was trying to find. He drew me a map, and sent me on my way. Most people can agree that when you have no idea what you’re looking for, you tend to be a little leery. I got to my destination, and realized it was an amazing landscape of Dubuque staring me in the face. He told me when I got back that lived in Dubuque for 18 years before he found out about this place and the view, and he knows other people who have lived here their whole lives who have never been to this spot either. It overlooks the Mississippi River, you can see for miles, and it also [...]

We took a moment to sit down and talk with Mary Jane Baxter, a member of our Runde Buick staff. Here is what she had to say about working at Runde. Runde Auto Group: What does your job entail at Runde Auto Group in Cuba City and how long have you been with them? Mary Jane Baxter: I handle financing, accounting, filing, answering phones, and any other day-to-day tasks that need to be done. I have been with Runde for approximately 27 years.  Runde Auto Group: What do you like most about working at Runde? MJB: I enjoy the environment and the people I work with every day. We have a lot of fun and work well together. Runde Auto Group: If you could drive any car for a month, [...]

It’s always nice to talk to our fantastic customers while they’re waiting on their vehicles to get serviced.  I sat and talked with Tony Fritz for a few minutes in our Chevy store, and he had nothing but good things to say about us…(we like hearing that!!) Runde Auto Chat: What kind of vehicle are you having serviced? Is it just a routine service appointment? Tony Fritz: I brought my Chevrolet Impala in for an oil change and tire rotation. RAC: Did you buy your Chevy Impala from Runde’s? TF: Yes RAC: Is there any feature it has that you will look for on your next vehicle purchase? TF: No, it’s a pretty standard package. RAC: Have you bought other vehicles from us? TF: Yes, probably 3 or 4. RAC: What is your favorite thing about Runde and how they do business? TF: They have straight-forward prices and the salesmen don’t pressure you. RAC: Do [...]