Runde Auto Chat

Duane and Karen Altfillisch from Elizabeth, Il. Stopped in to purchase some more vehicles from their favorite dealer - Runde Auto Group. These long-time Runde's fans had the time to let me interview them before going off to get some good grub.

What Brought you to Runde's?
We've been coming here for years.

I'm assuming that since you came back you "like our attitude"
Oh hahaha, yes, absolutely.

How many vehicles would you say you bought from us?
Probably around twenty.

20? Wow, Holy cow!
Yep, we've been buying since 1987.

I heard that you had some work being done to your vehicle?
Yea, they are putting on a running board and chrome handles on the truck.

So for this recent purchase did you research online or did you just call up and see what we had?
No, we were here buying a truck and saw the Equinox. And when I seen the chrome handles, it made me want a new vehicle.

How did you like the Equinox?
Karen: It's a beautiful car, I love it. I got a gold one.

What's the vehicle going to be used for, in general?
Driving back and forth from work.

Is the vehicle for you, Karen?
Oh yes. For sure.

We got another truck here at the same time that we got the Equinox.
Wow, you guys are really active in the purchasing of vehicles. I'm the same way with technology, always going out to get the latest and greatest.

If you were to rank Runde's on a scale of 1-10, what would you give it.
(Without the faintest sign of hesitation) Ten. No problems at all, we'd give the service department a 10 as well.

Your salesman was Eric Schmitt, how was he to you?
Oh excellent, he treated us very well. He gets a 10.

What do you guys do for a living?
Karen: I work for Fischer Excavating. Duane: I am with a construction company and drive a Semi for MontGomery Trucking.

I don't want to take too much of your time, I know you wanted to go out for a bite to eat. What's for dinner tonight?
We're going to the 19th Hole.

What do you like to get there? Burgers are usually all we get.

You should try their pizza too, it's very cheesy and good.
We'll have to try that!

Thank you very much for being such loyal and great customers, enjoy your vehicles and your food!

The Chevy Camaro is arguably the most popular vehicle of the year, and Runde Auto Group has a great selection for everyone to choose from. Our stock of Camaros has attracted many eyes, including the prestigious former Cincinnati wide receiver, Mardy Gilyard. Mr. Gilyard recently purchased his brand new Chevrolet Camaro at Runde's in East Dubuque with the assistance of Runde Chevrolet's very own Mark "Flop" Fleege.

Marshawn "Mardy" Gilyard, age 23, was born in Palm Coast, FL and started his football career early in high school. He was a first-team class 5A all-state selection and had over 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, which lead to him being chosen as MVP in the Florida Coast All-Star game. From there, Mardy left for college with a scholarship to University of Cincinnati, where he played his freshman year as a cornerback.

 Unfortunately during his sophomore year of college, Mardy was red-shirted for grades, and eventually lost his scholarship and his apartment. Then, being the dedicated person he is, Mardy lived out of his car and worked three jobs to save the money to get back into school. Eventually he went back to school full-time on his own funds and his determination paid off when he got back on the team in 2007 and got his scholarship back. He finished his season for the Bearcats with 36 receptions totaling 536 yards, and 3 touchdowns. From there, the sky was the limit. In 2008 he had 81 receptions with 1,276 yards and 11 touchdowns. To add to his receiving yardage, Gilyard also had over 1000 yards in returns. In 2009 he again massed over 1000 receiving and 1000 return yards with a total of 15 touchdowns. Mardy and the Bearcats went undefeated during the regular season in 2009 and eventually lost to Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators in the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day. Mardy is now expected to be in the first round of draft picks in the 2010 NFL draft.

Mardy had a rough start in college, but he's now famous for his exceptional talent and speed. He learned from his mistakes and his diligence and perseverance finally paid off for him. He enjoys giving back to the community and very frequently participates in several youth programs for underprivileged children in Cincinnati. Mardy can now reward himself for all his hard work by driving comfortably in his new Camaro.

Check out this bird eye view of Mardy's 99 yard kickoff return against Pittsburg on 12-5-09. Cincinnati was trailing Pitt 31-10 at the time, but the kickoff sparked the team and they wound up beating the Panthers 45-44. And for you Chicago Bears fans out there ... yes that is Dave Wannstedt at the beginning of the video (your eyes aren't playing tricks on you.) Wannstedt now coaches for the University of Pittsburg.

In a tie for "coolest car at the auto-show" I give you the Ford Mustang GT500.

While the new vehicles being displayed at the auto show were fascinating and exciting, there's something about vehicles that haven't been seen on the road for a long time that strike that same emotion. Looking at some of the first vehicles ever invented really gave me an up-close and personal look at just how far we have come. Take a gander at the vehicles below... They were using wood as a body frame material and actual lanterns were being used as lights. Automotively speaking, some things that we find today to be primitive are beautiful in my mind. But beauty aside, I don't think the National Committee for Highway Safety would see lit lanterns hanging from a vehicle as "safe". In the event of an accident in today's world, open flames and potentional gas leaks aren't exactly seen as the best combination. Just think 100 years into the future... they'll be saying: "I can't believe they used fiberglass and steel for the vehicle bodies and their engines burned gas and diesel!" Vehicles clearly are a measure of progress and creativity for our society. Who knows what the future will hold on the vehicular timeline ... but something tells me that our great, great grandchildren will still be whining for a way to be transported to the mall on snowy winter days when school has been cancelled. Enjoy a blast from the past with these Classic Ford cars!

1915-1916 Model T Ford Deport Hack

1926 Model T Ford Fordor

1930 Model A Ford Coupe

1911 Model T Ford Torpedo Roadster

The Chicago Auto Show is now over with and you missed it, shucks. Don't worry! In continuation of our 2010 Chicago Auto Show in review, here is the 75th Anniversary White Diamond Edition- Chevy Suburban. It's very sleek and definitely chic! Look for it soon at Runde's!