Crusing down the road, windows down, music up, you are in the “zone” with this sweet new track playing on the radio. You start trying to sing parts of the chorus, and completely butcher the rest of the song. Full of emotion, you utter slightly slurred words mixed with gibberish to comprise what would surely amount to  a migraine for anyone unfortunate enough to be in the same car with you.   You get to the end of the song and look forward to the radio announcer revealing the name of the song and artist so you can download it on iTunes later.  But what the…the announcer reveals the details of the song you loved so dearly while your friend was yelling at you to get him some aspirin. Dang it all to [...]

If you are in touch with our blog you will remember a post about Jay Leno owning the first ZR1 Corvette. In the video (below) you can see Jay absolutely raving the marvelous machine. Hearing so much praise about a car from someone who knows a lot about the automotive world really stamps “this car must really be something special” in your head. It was just another cold winter day, the office was pretty warm and I was finishing up some routine tasks when I faintly heard “Hey did you see that ZR1 out there” from the hallway. “Huh?” I wondered to myself… “a ZR1? did they mean Z06?… it couldn’t be…” Dashing outside I saw several figures surrounding a vehicle – none of them were moving. As I came closer, it seemed like [...]

The Detroit Auto Show was an exciting time for auto enthusiasts and there were lots of exciting models on display including the 2012 Ford Focus.  What’s even more exciting is the fact that the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid was revealed as the Car of the Year! And what’s more for Ford? Well… the Ford Transit Connect won Truck of the Year at the Auto Show as well! “Winning both of these prestigious awards is confirmation that the ONE Ford plan is working:  delivering industry-leading products for our customers,” said Mark Fields, President of Ford’s Americas division.     Prestigious indeed. Winning these awards is no easy task as the competition was fierce in ’09. But Ford doesn’t miss a step as it continues to look into new innovations and features to incorporate into their vehicles. So what’s the latest and greatest for Ford? Check out the newly announced 2012 Ford Focus that should show up on [...]

It seems there is almost no limit to what a person can do on a ipod these days and it begs the question, “What will technology bring and how advanced will cell phones become in the near future?”  From playing games, to converting practically any measurement you need at the click of a button. The new spawn of smart phones and gadgets are, needless to say, impressive. ‘But what is next?’ you may be asking yourself as you scroll through the thousands and thousands of apps available from the Apple and Verizon store. Well, I have the answer for you, and is it oh-soooo-sweet. Imagine waking up mid-winter to start your day. It’s so cold outside, the last thing you look forward to is feeling your freezing hair rub against [...]

Below are videos that document a horrible car crash involving a pregnant woman who is very lucky to be alive today.  If you need more examples there are several other videos you can look up. The point is simple: pregnant women get into accidents too.  It’s something that we don’t really want to hear about, but it happens.  In 2008, over 27,000 pregnant women were killed in automobile accidents. In fact, statistics show that automobile accidents are the largest cause of pregnant fatalities. What is more terrifying than thinking of your unborn baby going through an accident? As far as safety goes, the major focus has always been on infant safety and child seats while the specific safety needs of expecting mothers was perhaps overlooked a bit. That is starting to change, however, as the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), a group of 11 car companies including GM, Ford and Chrysler, has recently taken interest [...]

One of the luckiest 19-year-olds participated and won big on the Price is Right. Why so lucky you ask? Well if winning a scooter, a trip to Boston and a bunch of money wasn’t enough… How ’bout a new Ford Mustang for a dollar?   Perhaps this strikes some jealousy… or perhaps I’m just expressing my inner emotion… Either way everyone must give Taylor BIG credit for guessing the last two numbers spot on when it really counted — probably one of the biggest moments on the show, since Drew Carey’s take over from Bob Barker. Here at Runde’s we may not be giving away a new Ford Mustang for a dollar, but I guarantee that you will think the Price is Right at Runde Auto Group!

If you have driven a vehicle equipped with the New Ford Sync Technology– then you’re probably well aware that it effortlessly syncs up your phones, mp3 players and other gadgets via Bluetooth or USB input. Now how about this for a little bonus: Internet.  Yep.  Not a misprint — I-N-T-E-R-N-E-T. That’s right, internet wherever you may go and internet wherever you are… internet high …. internet low … internet at home … and now internet on the go… just as long as you have a 3G compatible wi-fi card (note: monthly fees might go with it).  The Sync, version 2.0, will have internet compatibility integrated into its USB ports. So on top of all of the cool things the Sync already does (like transmitting your phone calls though vehicles speakers) your passengers can now surf the waves of the digital age in your car on their laptops as you cruise down the highways and byways [...]

Motor Trend recently announced the 2010 Truck of the Year. And, maybe not so surprisingly, the Dodge Ram took home the title for the king of trucks. Up against some pretty fierce competition, like the popular Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, the Ram out-contended the best from every make out there. And judging from what it can do in the video below, it seems pretty well deserved. Based on the following criteria, taken from Motor Trend’s website, the 2010 Truck of the Year out-performs the competition in most categories. DESIGN ADVANCEMENT Quality execution of exterior and interior styling; innovation in vehicle packaging; good selection and use of materials. ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE Integrity of total vehicle concept and execution, clever solutions to packaging, manufacturing, and dynamics issues; use of cost-effective technologies that benefit the consumer. INTENDED FUNCTION How well the vehicle does the job its designers and product planners intended. EFFICIENCY [...]

Michelle Tranel and Dustin Dura are very nice people from East Dubuque, IL  who came into Runde’s today to shop for a used Chevy truck. Their salesperson, Al Kloft, told me that they were some of the nicest people that he had ever met. So I decided to head up to our PreDriven store to see if they’d oblige me with some of their time and an interview.  They did. We chatted.  Then they drove off into the non-sunset of lukewarm, overcast day in their sweet newly purchased Colorado truck.  Al was right — they are really nice. So what brings you into Runde’s today? We just bought a truck. What vehicle did you end up getting? A Chevy Colorado. How did you hear about Runde’s? We grew up in East Dubuque so we’ve always known about it. You two are a couple, I assume? Yep. Any kids? Dustin: I have [...]

Environmentally friendly vehicles … not sure if I know what that is.  Can you go into more details please? If you are familiar with the show: Top Gear, you know that the boys, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are in charge of completing a mission in every episode. In a recent episode they were challenged to create their own answer to the Chevy Volt. And boy, did they.   With an elegant plywood and sheet-metal exterior and an interior packed with lawn-chairs, semi-detached radio and rotatable windshield the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust gives the Volt has some fierce competition.   The thing almost runs 30 mph, has absurdly oversensitive steering and whoever drives it seems to appreciate the value of safety and life to a whole new level after [...]

The 2010 Ford Fusion has won the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year award! This is no easy task to accomplish mind you. With vigorous testing, scrutiny from the media, and competition with the best cars from all over the world, to win this award really must mean that it is the best of the best. To go into a bit of detail of how tough these judges are and how extensive the tests of each vehicle competing for the top spot check out the video below. These guys do not skip a detail about what they don’t like about any of the vehicles and they rarely give praise.   The following video is the unveiling of the car of the year and some comments from the Ford Team [...]

Thomas, Shelia and their daughters: Hannah, Hailey and Heather Hinman … basically the Hinman family in its entirety from Hazel Green, WI came in the other day to upgrade to a more spacious vehicle. While the girls played, the parents took care of business signing all the paperwork at the Runde PreDriven store.  Soon they were ready to roll out with their new set of wheels,  but I couldn’t let them go without letting the world hear their story! Hey guys! I’d like to thank the Hinman Family for doing this interview with me. What brought you into Runde’s today? We needed a car that would fit our family and wanted to stay local for the purchase. What led you to Runde’s instead of a different dealership? Shelia: I’ve lived around this area my whole life and know Runde’s to be a good [...]

My mom hates him, my dad thinks he’s ok, I think he’s a great comedian. I guess you could guess who I’m talking about from the title of the post, but for those who don’t read titles and just want to get to the meat and potatoes … I am talking about the love-him-or-hate-him talk show host Conan O’Brien. In a recent segment he tried to defend his 1992 Ford Taurus SHO vs. the new 2010 Ford SHO in terms of style, safety and features (“That’s actually factory installed bird crap”). I really must say, as a former ’98 Taurus owner, I have respect for any celebrity who drives around in a ’92 Ford Sho. Watch and love …       

We were outside and Carl got out of his old truck… Unlike most people, however, Carl didn’t go running to his New Ride from Runde Chevrolet in excitement. Instead Carl slowly got out of the driver’s door and gave the truck a sentimental final farewell before heading into the Runde Chevrolet building to finish up the paperwork. I was particularly busy before the interview with Carl Denlinger who was with his mother, Louise Denlinger (both born and raised south of Dubuque) but our chat seemed to put me in a great mood, read on to find see why. Hey guys, while your salesman, finishes up the transaction would you mind sharing your experience at Runde’s with the rest of the world? Sure… and [...]

Who didn’t like to color as a kid?  Did you ever enter a coloring contest or send a drawing into Highlights magazine? Getting those books of pre-made art for you to fill in with color between the lines (or, at least in my case, outside of the lines) was awesome. Meet your new coloring book – the Chevy Volt, once released, will come in this nice grayish-blue with a hint of greenish color… “Wait, what’s the  color called” you might be asking yourself? Well, my friend, that is entirely up to you… or someone else that thought of a cooler name than you. While the coloring may have already been done, it’s up to you to label the color with a name. A different kind of coloring contest if you will … GM is offering you a trip to drive the one of the first Volts just for giving a name to the color of the Volt above. But that [...]

The ideal of a healthier, cleaner tomorrow might be one step closer than you think. With houses like the GreenHouse in McLean, Virginia which is more energy efficient than 99.99% of the homes built since 2000, and the introduction of hybrid vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt, we are making big leaps towards a better tomorrow. But looking back, who would have imagined that the things that help our future would look so good! I mean look at that house… it looks amazing, inside and out. And look at that Volt! What a great combination. If this is what it takes for a better future then sign me up 10 times over. It’s still difficult to grasp the fact that GM is bringing to mainstream production a car (the Chevy Volt) that can go about 250 miles without using a [...]

Top Gear, in my opinion, is the best automotive show. Recently they reviewed (in quite a hysterical way) the Ford Fiesta. After you watch the video you will know what to expect if you get chased by “baddies” in a Corvette while in a shopping mall.  If you’re not interested in a Fiesta at all and you just want to see the Fiesta race a Corvette in the mall, then skip forward to 4min, 23sec.  If you want to see if the Ford’s new compact car floats, then skip ahead to 8min, 4sec. If you have any questions about the Fiesta or are interested in purchasing one, give our Ford store in Manchester, IA a call at 888-927-2630 and they will be more than happy to assist you picking out a vehicle that is apparently fit for extreme chase scenes and horrific combat… can’t go wrong with that.    

“Um … I’d like to think about it” I think we’ve all gone through it. The feeling of uncertainty when opening or using something expensive for the first time. You know that as soon as you open that package or start using it that it’s yours.  If you drop it and break it at that point, you already bought it … it’s yours.  I remember my heart pounding last month when I opened and mounted a new T.V. that I spent over a $1,000 on.   I like my TV and I don’t want to part with it for a long time.  But what if 30 days after I got it, I decided that it didn’t meet my needs and I wanted to return it. We have many people in and out of Runde’s everyday — buying cars and driving away in them.  Do they like them?  Are they satisfied?  Do the vehicles always meet the needs [...]

Where do people go for up-to-date information about Ford electric vehicles?  Why Jay Leno, of course.  Who didn’t like watching Jay Leno? There’s just something about the show that sucks you in and leaves you feeling happy. Once he announced that he’d no longer do the Tonight Show, it was pretty easy to predict that there would be another show around the corner with Leno as the star. People can’t seem to get enough of him. The man is a car enthusiast with an extensive garage of vehicles that no one else could really fathom owning under one roof. To add to his already great name, he’s also a Chevy fan making him just THAT much cooler. In his new show, which will start airing September 14th, Jay will feature a section called “The Green Car Challenge” where the Ford electric vehicles will star. In the segment celebs will hop in Fords environmentally friendly vehicles [...]

Time Magazine recently published the top 10 most exciting vehicles of the year. Making the list are three vehicle makes that Runde’s offers. Here are the three along with pictures and what Time had to say about them: 1. The Suzuki Kizashi What Time Magazine has to say: “Known for small cars and SUVs, Suzuki makes its first foray into the heart of the U.S. market with the midsize Kizashi sedan. The exterior styling is fresh, and the interior packs cool features such as sporty seats and a nifty instrument cluster that give the car character. The Kizashi’s key asset could be its power train, which includes a new 4-cylinder aluminum engine that can be matched up to either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission. Kizashi won’t go on sale until late fall, and the price is expected to be in the low-$20,000 range. Toyota and Honda better look over [...]

If you’ve been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not have heard about Chevy’s release of the Chevrolet Cruze.  It’s always exciting to hear about new vehicles being released. Usually people get pumped about a new muscle car or luxury vehicle. But in this day and age people might be more inclined to see something practical and not too spendy — something that will get great gas mileage, but still look good — basically something that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg but also doesn’t sacrifice quality in compensation. If everything mentioned above sounds good to you, then the new model to get pumped about is definitely the Chevrolet Cruze.  With an impressive 40 mpg highway at launch and being the new entry level [...]

Who doesn’t remember their first car? Was yours a Camaro coupe … probably not, eh?  For some of us it was the ugliest thing that stunk up the road with black clouds of gas and gave its road audition in triple forte with a busted muffler. Others had a nicer car, perhaps given to them by their parents, or possibly they worked hard counting pennies ’til they could buy that special first car they had their eye on. Regardless of what kind of shape or condition our first cars were, one thing remains true for just about everyone: our first car holds some sort of sentimental value that no car after it can give us. It’s the first time you get to feel the fresh air coming in through the window in a vehicle that you have complete control over. You and your first vehicle share many things for the first time. First ticket, first [...]

There was some important news announced this week regarding the Chevy Aveo and the Suzuki SX4.  Read further to find out why these two small cars are currently turning so many heads. There is a difference between what sounds good and what is good. In several “inexpensive” vehicles you will come to find that the gas mileage is high, the cost to fix the vehicle is outrageous, or that the vehicle is not reliable. We don’t believe in selling vehicles that only sound good here at Runde’s … we sell vehicles that are good. We offer several inexpensive vehicles for those on a budget and according to Edmunds.com, two of our most affordable vehicles ended up on toward the top of their top 10 list of most affordable vehicles. Edmunds determined which vehicles were actually the cheapest to own by computing an estimated total five-year cost and the cost per mile based on driving 15,000 miles per [...]

Now that the Cash For Clunkers program has come to an end the question on my mind is.  Let’s look at the Cash for Clunkers results to try to see if it will it actually have an environmental or economic impact? While the long term effects might take some time to determine, from the numbers I’ve been seeing it seems like it, at the very least, helped on the short term side of things.  According to the Cash For Clunkers Environmental Impact Survey; Average Clunker MPG: 17MPG Average NEW car MPG: 24MPG Average miles driven annually: 15,000 Destroyed Clunker drinks 882 gallons of gas a year New, replacement car drinks 625 gallons of gas a year Cash for Clunker Program saves 257 gallons of gas each year, per unit sold. c4c Sales Estimate: 750,000 units If you were to equate this out, you’d end up with 193 million gallons of gas [...]

Have you check the tire pressure in your car or truck’s tires lately?  If you answered “no”, then you man want to consider doing so.  It can be extremely unsafe to drive around in over-inflated or underinflated tires. Sometimes, good things have to come to an end. Not so long from now winter will fall on us and we will be left cold, leaving nothing but memories of nice walks and swims. Seasons change, some people like the change and others don’t.   Regardless of what season you like, you should always keep in mind one thing – check your tires. With a change in temperature comes a change in tire pressure. Air will compress as the temperature gets colder and will expand once it [...]