The Kunes Collective Podcast – Episode 4: Black Friday Madness, Lifetime Warranties, and the Future of Jeep

In Episode 4 of The Kunes Collective Podcast, hosts Marcos and Sandee dive into the wild world of dealership life — from the adrenaline rush of Black Friday sales to Kunes’ “No Fear” Lifetime Powertrain Warranty and an in-depth look at the future of Jeep.

 

The duo brings their signature energy and honesty to every topic, giving listeners a fun, insightful, and behind-the-scenes view of what makes the car business — and the Kunes culture — truly unique.

The episode opens with a fitting theme for the season — Black Friday.

 

Marcos brings it up, and Sandee is ready: “It’s the best time to talk about it,” he says. Each year, Kunes’ Black Friday events keep getting bigger, with dealerships opening as early as 6:00 a.m. to welcome early-bird customers eager for great deals.

 

This year, they’re preparing to have around 20 vehicles ready for shoppers — ranging from $99 cars to higher-quality pre-owned vehicles around $8,000.

 

“The atmosphere is completely different,” Sandee says with a grin. “Everyone’s wired on coffee by 7 a.m., customers are camping out, and it’s just fun. It breaks up the everyday routine.”

 

Even those $99 cars — though far from perfect — go through the Wisconsin State Safety Inspection, ensuring they’re safe before being sold. “Transparency is key,” Sandee explains. “We disclose everything upfront. A little honesty goes a long way.”

Sandee takes a moment to explain how Wisconsin’s dealership laws protect buyers better than most states. Every car sold must pass a Wisconsin State Safety Inspection, meaning all safety and mechanical systems are checked before it’s listed for sale.

 

That doesn’t mean every car is flawless — but it does mean the customer knows exactly what they’re getting.

 

“Even a $5,000 used car is a big investment,” Sandee says. “Customers deserve to know the condition of their vehicle before they drive off the lot. That’s what makes Wisconsin so consumer-friendly.”

One of the biggest points of pride for Kunes Auto Group is the No Fear Lifetime Powertrain Warranty — a benefit included at no extra cost for eligible vehicles.

 

Sandee explains that it was initially offered on new vehicles, but around 2019, Kunes expanded it to include select pre-owned cars less than 10 years old and under 100,000 miles.

 

“It covers the engine, transmission, four-wheel drive system, and all the major internal components — basically anything that’s internally lubricated,” he says. “It’s a huge value. Customers love it because they know they’re protected for as long as they own the car.”

 

He adds that it’s one of the easiest ways to show the difference between Kunes and other dealers: “Someone might find the same car down the street for the same price — but ours comes with a lifetime warranty. That’s a big deal.”

In the spirit of the holidays, Marcos and Sandee spotlight one of Kunes’ most heartwarming annual traditions — Toys for Tots.

 

Each Kunes location has a donation box for new, unwrapped toys through early December, with all items going directly to local families in need.

 

“At our store, the box is right by the entrance,” Sandee says. “And here in Walworth County, everything we collect goes straight to the kids in our community.”

 

He adds that the program is run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve — a detail that surprises many listeners. “It’s one of those good-feel things,” he says. “It’s not about selling cars. It’s about being part of something bigger.”

From local giving, the conversation shifts to big industry changes, especially at Stellantis — the parent company of Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge.

 

Sandee shares insights on the automaker’s $13 billion investment in manufacturing updates and model transitions, noting that Jeep’s future looks increasingly hybrid.

 

“Full electric didn’t connect with Jeep fans,” he says. “People love the ruggedness — the sound, the feel, the experience. So I think hybrid is the sweet spot: efficient, but still powerful.”

 

He points out that the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee will debut with new design updates and a 2.0L Hurricane turbo engine replacing the traditional V6 on higher trims.

 

“It’s faster, stronger, and more fuel-efficient,” he says, “but people still want that choice. Not everyone’s ready to give up the V6, and I get that.”

 

The discussion becomes a friendly debate as Marcos plays devil’s advocate, wondering whether traditionalists will ever warm up to smaller turbo engines. Sandee laughs, “They’ll resist at first — then they’ll drive one and change their mind.”

Next, the duo tackles a tech headline shaking up the industry — GM’s decision to remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its upcoming vehicles.

 

Sandee, who recently tested a 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, confirms that GM is switching to a Google-based infotainment system instead.

 

“At first, I was skeptical,” he admits. “But once you use it, it’s actually really intuitive. Everything’s built in — Google Maps, Spotify, YouTube Music — no phone connection needed.”

 

Still, he understands why some customers aren’t thrilled. “People should have the freedom to choose. Not everyone wants to create a Google account just to use their car,” he says.

 

The benefit, however, is frequent software updates — similar to smartphones — and smoother functionality across different brands.

The hosts also respond to a listener question about trade-in values and why they often differ from the retail prices customers see online.

 

“It’s simple,” Sandee explains. “The cars listed online are retail-ready. They’ve been through inspections, repairs, detailing — all of which cost money. When we take a trade, we account for what it’ll take to get that car to the same standard.”

 

He stresses that educating customers is essential: “If you show people what their car needs — tires, brakes, filters — they understand. It’s not about lowballing; it’s about being upfront.”

Another listener asks about the yellow “Not Inspected for Sale” stickers seen on some Kunes lot vehicles.

 

“That’s just our process,” Sandee says. “When a car is traded in, it can’t be sold until it’s passed our inspection. You might see it sitting out there, but it’s not available yet.”

 

However, customers can reserve those cars in advance. Once the inspection and service work are complete — sometimes including new tires or brakes — the dealership delivers it fully ready to go.

 

“It’s all about transparency and safety,” he adds. “We’d rather take the extra day to do it right.”

To close out the episode, Marcos and Sandee spotlight a new innovation at Kunes — mobile service units.

 

These specially equipped vans can perform oil changes, battery replacements, and other basic maintenance wherever the customer is.

 

“It’s super convenient,” Sandee says. “You don’t need to take time off work or come to the shop. The service team brings the garage to your driveway.”

 

It’s one more example of Kunes’ mission to make ownership easier and more flexible for every customer.

As the episode wraps up, Sandee offers one final piece of advice:

 

“If you’re thinking about buying a car, now’s the time. The last two months of the year are packed with deals, energy, and excitement. Everyone’s motivated — sales teams, managers, even customers. It’s just a great vibe.”

 

The pair close things out with a lighthearted tour of the Kunes HQ cafeteria — complete with snack stations, coffee machines, and even a view of the runway. “If you stop by HQ,” Marcos jokes, “don’t forget — the snacks aren’t free!”