Car maintenance generally includes the replacement and inspection of parts like brakes, spark plugs, wiper blades and motor oil. It may also include a tune-up and should be scheduled annually with your local dealer.

Some conditions that influence your car maintenance needs are directly related to your driving habits. The conditions you drive in and how you drive can affect how frequently your car needs to be repaired or serviced outside of regular routine maintenance. Conditions that warrant scheduling car maintenance include:

• Air filter changes
• Headlight replacement
• Tire rotations
• Transmission fluid adjustments
• Oil levels
• Coolant levels 
• Battery performance

If any of these conditions are left unchecked, they can take a toll on the performance of your vehicle and may eventually justify early replacement.

Driving Habits That Negatively Affect Car Performance

Bad driving habits can harm your vehicle, resulting in additional car maintenance trips and costly bills. Vehicles are made to be durable and last for long distances in sometimes tough conditions, but they’re not immune to accelerated wear or breakdowns due to being handled poorly by their owners.

Bad Braking Habits

Your braking habits can do a lot of damage to your vehicle if you’re not careful. Brakes are intended to stop your vehicle, but if used carelessly, they can wear early or damage components other than the brake pads. This may risk your safety on the road. This can mean costly car maintenance trips and a shortened lifespan for your brake pads, drums and vehicle.

Braking habits that take a toll on your vehicle include:

• Abrupt starting and stopping: These can wear out your brakes causing the need for early repair or replacement.
• Excessive braking downhill: If your vehicle is accelerating while going downhill, you may be tempted to apply the brakes to slow down. While this may be necessary for safety and to avoid speeding, the added friction from accelerating causes heat to build up in the brake pads, causing accelerated wear.
• Riding the brakes:  Excessive brake use can result in warping and wear down, along with generating additional heat that may cause brake fluid to boil. In the short term, this habit can damage your brakes, making them unreliable on the road. In the long term, riding the brakes can reduce the fuel economy of your vehicle.
• Not using parking brakes: Parking brakes can become brittle and snap if they are not used. Additionally, not using the parking brake puts stress on the transmission. While the transmission stops your vehicle when it’s in park, it is the parking brake that prevents the wheels from further motion.

Engaging the Clutch Too Much

The clutch can become worn down prematurely if left engaged consistently, such as when you make stops at a red light or pause before a turn. You may need premature servicing or car maintenance if your clutch is constantly under pressure.

Shifting Between Drive and Reverse Without Stopping

It’s necessary to come to a complete stop before going into reverse. Otherwise, your transmission may suffer. Braking effectively between shifting into reverse keeps your transmission from overworking to stop your vehicle. Transmission failure is a common car maintenance request for those who regularly shift into reverse without coming to a complete stop, as it can complicate your vehicle’s ability to transition between the two gears long term.

Warning Lights On

Illuminated warning lights in your vehicles should be addressed as soon as possible. They can indicate issues with the engine, coolant, battery or even airbag, all of which can become costly to repair if damage or malfunctions are allowed to escalate. Letting warning issues go for long periods can add additional stress to your vehicle, resulting in extra car maintenance down the road.

Gas Tank Staying Near Empty

Keeping your tank near empty can have an adverse effect on the lifespan of your vehicle. Gasoline functions as a coolant, preventing certain vehicle parts, like the fuel pump and converter, from overheating during use. If your tank stays near empty, it may overheat when you run out of fuel, resulting in damage.

Hitting the Curb

It may be tempting to use curbs to help you park in tight spaces, but you risk damaging your wheels in the process. In the short term, this could result in early tire changes, but long term, this can take a toll on the alignment of your vehicle.

Going Without Regular Car Maintenance

Regular car maintenance is the best way to maintain the longevity of your vehicle. Going without regular maintenance can cause preventable problems, like a weakened brake pad or punctured tire, to escalate and damage your vehicle. Whether this means attending to warning lights promptly or ensuring that your oil is changed regularly, it’s better to handle vehicle issues sooner rather than later.

Schedule Car Maintenance With Easterns Automotive

If you’re looking to simplify your car-buying experience, look no further than Easterns Automotive. We are discerning in our choice of vehicles, which is why you can rest assured the vehicles in our used car inventory are well maintained and in good working order. Call us at 877-867-0641 to see how we can help.

The post Conditions And Driving Habits That Take a Toll on the Performance of Your Car appeared first on Easterns Automotive.

For decades, cars have been an essential part of everyday life, but their widespread adoption as the primary means of transportation didn’t happen overnight. Back when automobiles were first introduced to the public in 1886, cars were viewed as a luxury item that only the wealthiest households could afford. Today, over 130 years later, there are an estimated 1.4 billion vehicles in the world.

We rely heavily on cars to get us from point A to point B. Whether it’s work, school or soccer practice, reliable transportation is a necessity in our day-to-day lives.

It’s no surprise that there are many fascinating facts about these extremely complex yet very common pieces of vital property. Next time you find yourself chatting with a group of friends at a party or sitting around the dinner table with family, spark a conversation and show off your automobile knowledge with these fun facts.

1. The first full-size car was built in 1789 by French inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot using water and steam pressure.
2. German engineer Karl Friedrich Benz (also known as Carl) invented the first modern car using three wheels and an engine located in the back. The Benz Patent Motorcar was first announced to the public in 1886 at an original cost of $150.
3. The Duryea Motor Wagon, introduced in 1893, was the first American-made gasoline-powered car. It was built by the Duryea brothers, Charles and Frank, using a $70 carriage and single cylinder-gasoline motor.
4. The Ford Model T, which was first made available by the Ford Motor Company in 1908, was the first affordable mass-produced vehicle. With a maximum speed between 40 to 45 miles-per-hour (mph), the Model T cost $825 (equivalent to $18,000 today).
5. BMW was first known as an aircraft engine manufacturer — the first product being the BMW III (a straight-six aircraft engine). BMW didn’t start making cars until they acquired a German automobile manufacturer in 1928.
6. On average, if you count every nut and bolt, a modern vehicle has 30,000 parts.
7. Austrian-German automotive engineer and founder of Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche, invented the first hybrid car in 1900 using an octagonal electric motor.
8. The three-point seatbelt we use today was invented by Swedish mechanical engineer Nils Ivar Bohlin when he was hired by Volvo. The three-point lap seatbelts were first introduced in Volvo cars in 1959.
9. The first muscle car (also known as a “supercar”) was released by General Motors in 1949. In order to be considered a muscle car, a vehicle needed to have a lightweight body, V8 engine and rear-wheel drive — all features that were designed for drag racing. The earliest muscle car on the market was the Oldsmobile 88, which went on to make NASCAR history.
10. The code inside an average car’s internal computer could stretch for 100 miles if printed on paper.
11. Car insurance was first implemented in the United Kingdom when Minister of Transport Herbert Morrison mandated the Road Traffic Act 1930.
12. Only 18 percent of Americans know how to drive stick shift, which might explain why only 5-percent of vehicles sold in the country are manual.
13. The fastest police car in the world is in Dubai. The Dubai Police Department’s fleet includes 14 supercars — the Bugatti Veyron being the fastest with a top speed of 253 mph.
14. The Ford Crown Victoria was the last vehicle to offer a cassette tape player in 2011.
15. The top selling car of all-time is the Toyota Corolla. Since it was first introduced by Toyota Motor Corporation in 1966, the manufacturer has sold an estimated 50 million Corollas.

Visit Your Local Pre-Owned Car Dealership in Washington D.C. and Baltimore

At Easterns Automotive, we take pride in maintaining an extensive inventory of pre-owned vehicles. Whether you’re looking to sell your car or trade it in for a more reliable vehicle, our team is here to ensure you receive a fair price and great financing services.

At Easterns, we do what we can to make the car buying process as easy as possible. Learn more about our trade-in offers and how we can help by calling us at 877-867-0641.

The post 15 Random Car Facts that will Impress Your Friends and Family appeared first on Easterns Automotive.

While it is illegal to sell a car without proof of ownership in most jurisdictions, there are legal ways to sell a car even if you don’t physically have (or can’t find) the title. States that have an Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) Program like Maryland and Virginia will allow you to trade in a car without a title. This is because dealerships have access to the ELT database so they can confirm and transfer vehicle ownership seamlessly.

If you are conducting a private sale, you are required to have the vehicle’s title in hand or you may request a duplicate if your title was lost, stolen or damaged. Prior to selling, be sure to request your new or duplicate title several weeks before, as titles can take time to process. You must request the duplicate title from the state the vehicle is registered in. Once you receive the duplicate title, it will void the original.

When selling a vehicle that is financed or has a lien on it, you will need to reach out to the lender directly. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure the sale and title transfer goes smoothly.

Why Does Your Vehicle Need a Title?

When you purchase a new or used car, you are provided legal proof of ownership (A.K.A. the title). If you are financing or leasing a car, you will likely never see the physical title unless you purchase the vehicle outright.

Titles can vary state by state but generally they list the following information about the vehicle:

• Vehicle’s make, model, color, body style and manufacturing year
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Mileage at the time of the purchase
• License plate number
• Buyer’s name, address and issue date

What Are the Types of Car Titles?

Over a car’s lifetime, the title can change depending on the vehicle’s condition. Some of the most common types of titles are:

• Clear – The most desirable car title available and the only one that lenders will approve for a car loan.
• Salvage – This title is issued to a car that has seen a significant decrease in value due to a crash, theft or subsequent repairs.
• Rebuilt/reconstructed – The insurance company or body shop where the rebuild took place will issue this title after an inspection deems it safe to drive in public.
• Bonded – A vehicle with missing ownership documents will be given this title. It’s valid for three to five years and protects the new owner from potential ownership disputes.

Are Some Car Sales Exempt from Title Requirements?

Under certain conditions, you may not always need a vehicle’s title in order to sell it. Of course, it depends on the rules and regulations of your jurisdiction, but in special circumstances, you can sell a car without a title.

• A standardized bill of sale form may suffice for proof of ownership if the vehicle is more than 15 to 25 years old. In states that don’t require a standardized form, any bill of sale template should suffice.
• A transfer of ownership without a title may be a feasible option in some states that allow it. The buyer would then need to obtain a title for the vehicle. Additional documentation may be required.
• Selling to an out-of-state buyer without a title can be difficult if your state has deemed the car exempt. You or the buyer should confirm the other state’s rules and regulations. You may need to provide the buyer with a copy of the vehicle’s registration in your state.

Sell Your Car to Easterns Automotive

If you live in the DC, Maryland or Virginia areas, Easterns Automotive is here to help you sell your car. As one of the leading pre-owned dealerships around, we pride ourselves on creating a stress-free environment that takes the pressure off car sellers.

We understand that getting a car ready to sell can be an overwhelming task. At Easterns, you don’t have to worry about meeting potential buyers for test drives or handling the paperwork when finalizing the sale. We take care of the logistics for you so you can focus on finding your next vehicle.

Our diverse pre-owned inventory makes it easy to find the car you want. Learn more about our trade-in offers and how we can help by calling us at 877-867-0641.

The post Is It Possible to Sell a Car Without a Title? appeared first on Easterns Automotive.

It’s not uncommon to sell a car with an existing loan, especially if your situation changes two or three years into a five- or six-year loan. Car buyers in DC, Maryland and Virginia often look to sell their vehicles after a big life change such as getting married or starting a family. Simply put, if you have a loan on your car, it doesn’t mean you’re necessarily stuck with the vehicle until you pay it off.

You can sell a financed vehicle in one of four ways:

1. Pay off the loan in full
2. Sell the vehicle to a private buyer
3. Sell the vehicle to a dealership
4. Trade the vehicle in at a used car dealership

Some of those options require more work than others. For example, if you want to sell your vehicle to a private buyer, you’ll generally need to pay off the loan first. If you’re willing to sell or trade-in your vehicle to a dealer, they can deal with the logistical hassles of getting rid of the loan for you.

Whether you’re looking for a dealership trade-in or to sell the car outright, there are a few steps to consider before selling a financed vehicle.

Ask Your Lender for the Payoff Amount

Before you can sell any car with a loan, check with the lender you financed through and ask about the selling process. If you are still making payments on your loan, the lender has possession of the title and ownership of the vehicle until the loan is paid off and the title is transferred. These two things must take place before a financed vehicle can be sold.

The “payoff amount” is how much it will cost to own your car outright. This number will include the loan balance and interest along with any other financing fees or prepayment penalties. When you ask your lender for the payoff amount, they are required to provide you with an offer that’s valid for 10 days.

In addition to requesting the payoff amount, you can discuss next steps with your lender before deciding which route you’d like to take.

Do Your Research to Know Your Car’s Worth

Anytime you go to sell or trade-in a vehicle, make sure you know its value. The used car climate is constantly changing, so having an estimate of your car’s worth can be helpful when it’s time to sell. Keep in mind that your car’s value may change depending on how you plan to sell it (i.e., private or dealer).

If you don‘t have one already, you can get a quote on a number of vehicle valuation sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. Be sure to have your car’s make, model, mileage and VIN number ready for the most accurate quote.

At Easterns Automotive Group we pride ourselves on providing fast and accurate quotes to customers. You can get a solid purchase offer from our team in a matter of hours.

Determine Your Equity

Once you have the payoff amount and the value of your financed vehicle, you can then calculate your equity. You can do this by subtracting the payoff amount from the car’s estimated value. The remaining value is your current equity.

A quick way to tell if you have positive or negative equity is by your car’s value. If the value of your vehicle is higher than your loan payoff amount, then you have positive equity. If the payoff amount is higher than your car’s worth, then you are “upside down” on your loan — meaning you have negative equity.

You can still sell your vehicle even if you have negative equity. Car sellers have two options in this scenario: you can sell the vehicle and pay off the remainder of the loan out of pocket or you can roll the remainder of your loan (minus what you got for selling your car) into your next auto loan.

Easterns Automotive can help you get a great pre-owned vehicle, even if you have negative equity in your current car.

Selling Privately Versus Selling or Trading at a Dealership

When you’re ready to sell your financed vehicle, you will need to decide if you’d rather sell to a private buyer or to a dealership. This is when it’s important to consider things like the ease of transaction, final purchase price, your credit score, etc.

Selling to a private buyer used to be the preferred way to sell a used vehicle because sellers would typically get closer to their asking price. Now, because of recent shortages of new and used cars on the market, that may not always be the case. Dealerships are eager to buy used cars at great prices to maintain their inventory.

While it’s possible to still get more for your vehicle through a private buyer, there is a lot more work required on your end to complete the transaction. This is where a used car dealership can step in and help you obtain your payoff quote, make all final payments, and take care of the title for you. This is a great route if you’re looking to upgrade your current vehicle by trading it in for a newer model.

Find a Trusted Used Car Dealer in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Easterns Automotive is committed to helping our customers sell and finance their used car purchases quickly and efficiently. We are committed to guiding local car sellers through the selling process to ensure an easy, stress-free experience.

We also offer competitive pricing for used vehicle trade-ins and great financing options — no matter your credit history.

Browse our inventory of used vehicles in the Baltimore and DC areas or visit one of our dealership locations to find out how Easterns can help you sell your used car today.

The post How To Sell a Car With a Loan appeared first on Easterns Automotive.

Depending on the amount left on your loan and the value of your car, you might owe money or get money back that can be applied to the new car. For this reason, it’s important to determine your vehicle’s trade-in value and your equity.

How Does Vehicle Equity Work for a Trade-In?

When you first bought your car, you likely took out a loan that you have been paying off every month since. As you make monthly payments you build your equity (the dollar amount you actually own).

Unfortunately, cars age and decrease in value each month, even as your equity increases with each subsequent loan payment. If you take care of your car, stay on top of your monthly auto loan payments and the demand for used cars is high, then your equity should still enter positive territory relatively quickly.

Once you are ready to trade in that vehicle, you’ll be faced with one of two scenarios:

• You have positive equity which means the car is worth more than what you still owe on the loan. The difference between your equity and the remainder of the loan can then be applied directly to your next vehicle purchase, lowering the amount of money you will need to borrow and helping you get a better interest rate.
• You have negative equity which means your auto loan is “underwater” or “upside-down.” This happens when your car is worth less than what you still owe. In order to trade in a vehicle with negative equity, you will have to pay off the difference.

For example: You bought a car for $20,000 and you financed $18,000 of it. The vehicle is valued at $12,000 when you decide to sell, but you still owe $13,000 on your auto loan. You’ll need to sell the vehicle for $12,000 and pay an additional $1,000 to clear the loan.

Conversely, if the same scenario occurs but you only owed $3,000 on your auto loan when you decided to sell, you would have $9,000 of equity you could put toward your next vehicle purchase. 

How Do You Pay the Difference if Your Auto Loan Goes Underwater?

If you’re considering a trade-in and your auto loan is upside-down, there are options to pay off negative equity.

1. Delay the trade-in until your car is paid off or once you are no longer underwater.
2. Pay the difference between what’s left on your loan and what the dealer offers for your trade-in. This is typically done with cash or by taking out another loan.
3. Roll over what you owe into your new car loan. Although this option is often the most convenient, it will result in you being immediately upside-down on your new auto loan. When you add the difference, you increase the new loan amount and typically pay more interest over time.

Do You Really Need to Know Your Trade-In Value?

When it comes to pricing your trade-in, take the time to do some research yourself. The team at Easterns Automotive would be happy to give you a fast estimate on your vehicle’s sale or trade-in value.

When it is time to trade in or sell your car at Easterns Automotive, we will conduct an appraisal and extend a firm offer.

What Will You Need to Trade in a Car with a Loan?

When you decide to trade-in a vehicle that still has a loan, the dealer will take over the loan and pay it off. To successfully trade in your old vehicle, you would negotiate the terms of your new auto loan and transfer your old vehicle’s title over to the dealer.

Ensure you have the following paperwork and materials ready when trading in a financed vehicle:

• Driver’s license
• Proof of insurance
• Vehicle registration
• All keys and key fobs for the vehicle
• The loan information (account number and payoff amount)
• Trade-in value based on your research

Get an Honest Trade-In Offer at Easterns Automotive

If you’ve tried other dealerships in Virginia, DC and Maryland and you weren’t happy with their trade-in offers, Easterns Automotive is here to help. We have a reputation for providing honest appraisals you can trust. It’s one of the reasons we have a 97 percent customer approval rating.

Once you accept our trade-in offer, we will deduct that amount from the new auto loan and take care of the rest. Stop by one of our locations or give us a call at 877-867-0641 to learn more.

The post Can You Trade in a Financed Car? appeared first on Easterns Automotive.

Perhaps you’ve saved up enough cash to purchase the vehicle outright, greatly simplifying the payment process. Most Easterns Automotive shoppers aren’t in that position. In many cases car buyers come to us with just enough to make a down payment.

Qualifying for an auto loan in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas will require you to approach a lender(s) or dealership with a multitude of paperwork and documentation. Lenders will need to confirm things like your identity, employment, credit score and income before they can offer you a car loan.

What Materials Do You Need to Apply for an Auto Loan?

1. Proof of identity (i.e., driver’s license or government-issued I.D.)
2. Proof of income (i.e., bank statements or pay stubs)
3. Credit and banking history
4. Proof of residence (i.e., utility bill or mortgage statement)
5. Vehicle information (i.e., purchase price and VIN number)

Where Do You Apply for an Auto Loan?

There are a number of lenders in DC, Maryland and Virginia who can offer you a loan to finance a used car purchase. When applying for auto loans, some car buyers will shop around for lenders until they find the best offer.

Common used car loan providers include:

• National banks
• Local community banks or credit unions
• Online lenders who specialize in auto loans
• Dealerships

What Is Pre-Qualification Versus Pre-Approval?

Pre-qualification is an estimate of the loan and rate you are likely to get based on the limited personal information and credit history you provide to a lender. A pre-qualification only requires a soft credit pull and is not an actual offer to fund your used car purchase.

Pre-approval is when a lender reviews your credit report to determine the estimated loan amount you’re approved to borrow and the interest rate you’ll be charged. A pre-approval does require a hard credit pull in order to provide a more accurate offer.

It’s important to note that neither will guarantee the approval of your auto loan, but both can be useful for planning and budgeting your used car purchase. If you want to impress a dealer or seller, getting pre-approved demonstrates your ability to obtain financing and shows you’re serious about buying the car.

What Affects the Approval of Your Auto Loan?

If you’re planning on financing your used car, you might be wondering what it takes to qualify for a car loan. If you haven’t had credit cards or loans in the past, you may have a harder time getting a loan.

Don’t lose hope — it’s not entirely impossible to get approved for a loan even if your credit isn’t great. In most cases, you should be able to find a lender willing to offer you a loan, but it may have a higher interest rate.

There are some steps you can take to increase your chances of being approved if your credit isn’t great:

• Save for a larger down payment
• Show proof of a steady job and income
• Ask a trusted friend or family member with good credit to be a co-signer/co-borrower

If you have been denied by a bank or lender in the past, don’t let that discourage you from buying a car. Easterns Automotive helps used car buyers in DC, Maryland and Virginia qualify for financing, no matter their credit history.

Apply For Used-Car Financing in DC, Maryland and Virginia

When you shop at Easterns Automotive, we handle the financing for you. You don’t have to worry about your credit history or getting third-party pre-approval when you apply for an auto loan through us.

At Easterns, we strive to get you the financing you need to purchase the car you love. Browse our extensive pre-owned inventory in Maryland, DC and Virginia or visit one of our dealership locations today.

The post How Do You Qualify for an Auto Loan? appeared first on Easterns Automotive.

A vehicle is a big purchase you’ll use on a daily basis and will ideally keep for several years (or more), which is why it’s so important to feel confident in your choice. While it never hurts to browse a vehicle inventory online or walk through a dealership lot to learn about your options, it’s important to determine the answers to some key questions before making a final purchase decision.

Does A Vehicle’s Practicality Matter?

Your next car is likely to serve a specific purpose, like getting you to work, hauling your kids to school and extracurricular activities or running errands. Think about what that purpose is and how you plan to use the vehicle when deciding what type of car is more practical.

• Will you be commuting to work or puttering around town?
• How much space will you need to transport family or equipment?
• Will you need to tow a boat or trailer? 
• Do you drive off-road?
• Are local streets narrow and traffic heavy?
• Will the vehicle need to fit in a garage or driveaway?
• Do you anticipate spending a lot of time in the car?

What Is Your Ideal Budget?

Most car buyers in DC, Maryland and Virginia will likely look at financing their vehicle purchases. Applying for an auto loan means you’ll be expected to make regular monthly payments on your new car. Make sure those monthly payments are within your budget.

We are all guilty of loving the latest and greatest cars on the market. Just remember that they aren’t the most wallet friendly. Unless you’re planning to put a sizeable down payment on your new car purchase, you may want to consider a used vehicle. Buying a used car can help minimize your monthly car payment and allow you to purchase a nicer model than you could otherwise afford buying new.

Oftentimes, if you buy from a dealership, you can expect the certified used car you purchase to be in near-showroom condition. Not only are you getting a quality vehicle that’s been serviced by the dealer but you’re getting it at a fraction of the price of a brand-new car.

Are You Planning to Trade-In Your Current Vehicle?

If you are ready to part with your car and upgrade to something more reliable, trading in your old vehicle is a way to take care of everything all at once. When you buy from a dealership, you can apply your trade-in toward the purchase of your new car. The more money you can put down, the better your interest rate and the less money you’ll need to take out on an auto loan.

The team at Easterns Automotive can provide you with a fast and fair trade-in quote if you decide to sell your current car or trade it in.

Would You Rather Buy or Lease the Vehicle?

When you purchase a vehicle to own, you are financing the entire cost of the car (minus any down payment or trade-in). When you lease a vehicle, you are paying for the duration you have the car and the mileage you put on it. 

If you’re not sure which route would work best for you, ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you drive a lot? Leased vehicles usually have a limit on how many miles you can drive within your lease term. If you go over that limit, you typically pay additional fees.
2. Do you anticipate any major life changes within the next couple of years? If you plan on growing your family, you may want to consider getting a vehicle that will work for you during those important life changes. There are often fees involved if you decide to terminate your lease early.
3. Do you take care of your car? When leasing a vehicle, you are expected to maintain it. If you return a leased car in bad shape, you may be charged additional fees.

Although most car shoppers typically associate leasing with new cars, some pre-owned dealerships, like Easterns Automotive, allow car shoppers to lease used vehicles. Contact our team to learn more about leasing a high-quality pre-owned car, truck or SUV.

Buy or Lease Your Next Vehicle at an Easterns Automotive Dealership in Washington D.C. or Baltimore

When you’re ready to buy or lease a pre-owned vehicle, Easterns is here to help. We make financing and leasing easy and offer fair trade-in values.

At Easterns Automotive, we strive to offer our customers a personalized car buying experience. Shop online, in person or both by browsing our inventory online or visiting one of our locations in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas.

Even if your credit is less than perfect, we are committed to finding you a great auto loan. Learn how we can help by calling us at 877-867-0641.

The post Factors to Consider When Shopping for a New Vehicle appeared first on Easterns Automotive.

There are a few online tools available that can give you an estimate of your car’s value. You’ll just need to enter specifics about your vehicle (mileage, age, etc.) and information about its condition.

If you want a fast, honest and accurate assessment of your vehicle’s worth, contact Easterns Automotive. Our team can give you a quick and fair trade-in valuation.

Now is a great time to sell. You might discover your trade in covers a large portion of the down payment for a used car, truck or SUV.

Three Online Estimator Tools for Used Cars

There are a variety of tools that allow you to get a rough estimate on your car’s valuation. However, the estimates you’ll get from these calculators are not guarantees or offers. You’ll still need to find someone (or a dealership) willing to pay that amount. Also beware of “free” estimators that collect your contact information to sell it or target you with future robocalls and spam emails.

1. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is one of the most popular online estimators on the market. It asks for details about your car (i.e., model, make, year, condition, etc.) and bases its estimate on the information you provide.
2. Edmunds is a competitor to KBB. Their claim to fame is coining the concept of “true market value.” They use more in-depth criteria (i.e., cosmetic damages, car accident history, etc.) to determine the worth of a used car. Their calculator uses real-world dealership transactions to show you the average price paid for used cars near you.
3. NADA guides, created by the National Automobile Dealer’s Association (NADA), are very similar to KBB and Edmunds. The difference is they focus on a vehicle’s wholesale price, current market price and the demand for cars for sale near you.

What Information Will You Need to Get a Proper Used Car Estimate?

In order to get an approximate estimate for your used car, you will need to provide relevant information and specs about your vehicle, as well as details about its condition.

Have the following information on hand before you get started:

• The year, make and model of your vehicle (this information can be found in the owner’s manual)
• The vehicle’s color and features/upgrades (i.e., leather upholstery, heated seats, sunroof, custom sound system, etc.)
• The condition of the vehicle (it’s best to be honest about the condition to avoid overestimating)
• The vehicle’s mileage (this can be found by reading the odometer on the dashboard)

How Do You Interpret the Estimate Once You Get It?

Once you’ve inputted the necessary information into the online estimator tool, they usually provide a few separate measures of your vehicle’s valuation.

• Trade-in value is what a dealership might give you for your vehicle if you trade it in. It’s usually the lowest price you will be offered for your car, but there are potential tax savings if you decide to go this route. You might also avoid additional seller fees or repair hassles, as dealerships like Easterns will usually take your trade in as is.
• Private resale value is the estimated amount you would likely get for your vehicle if you sold it directly to a private party. This would be your car’s listing price on any resale marketplace. Read our blog about private sales (and the risks you’ll face) for more information.
• Dealer resale value is the estimated price the dealer will list the vehicle for after you sell it to them. It’s often higher than the trade-in or private resale value. The higher price is due to the time and money the dealer will need to spend on inspecting, repairing and cleaning the vehicle to prepare it for resale.
• Certified pre-owned value is what a dealer would list the vehicle for after a professional inspection and an included limited warranty. This is typically higher than the dealer resale or trade-in value.

Selling Your Car in Washington D.C. or Baltimore

Take your time collecting and comparing your vehicle’s estimates before deciding which route you’d prefer.

When you’re ready to sell your used car in Washington D.C. or Baltimore, get in touch with Easterns Automotive. We offer a quick and convenient process for selling or trading in your vehicle. Our auto group also has an expansive inventory of pre-owned vehicles to choose from if you’re looking to make a trade in.

Give Easterns a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our eight dealerships today for more information.

The post What Is Your Used Car Worth and What Can You Actually Get for It? appeared first on Easterns Automotive.

While it is not against the law to purchase a vehicle in another state, there may be some extra hoops you need to jump through in order to complete the purchase.

What Do You Need to Buy a Car in a Different State?

1. First and foremost, you’ll need to search for used cars online to determine if you’ll be buying out of state.
2. If you’re buying from a private seller, you should try to find a CARFAX report or the vehicle’s accident history. At Easterns, we openly post all CARFAX info on our inventory, so you don’t have to spend time digging for it.
3. Car shoppers purchasing from private sellers in another state should strongly consider taking the car to a trusted mechanic for an inspection prior to finalizing the purchase. A pre-purchase inspection can help you avoid buying a lemon. All Easterns vehicles undergo thorough inspections and a Multi-Point Quality Certification prior to resale. 
4. Ensure the vehicle can pass all safety and emissions requirements in your state. Every vehicle sold by Easterns can pass Maryland and Virginia emissions testing.
5. Check with your insurance company to confirm whether your vehicle will be insured under your existing policy or if you will need new coverage immediately after purchase.
6. Pay all required sales tax on your vehicle in your home state.
7. After paying all necessary state sales tax, get the vehicle titled and registered in your home state. (If you buy from Easterns, we can help you handle the logistics and ensure you have a temporary title and registration to legally drive the car home.)

Having dealership locations in both Virginia and Maryland allows us to make the process of purchasing a vehicle easy for people living in either state, greatly simplifying the process for car buyers.

The Disadvantages of Buying a Car Out of State

Aside from the distance between you and the car, there are a few drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind when looking to purchase a car in a different state.

• It’s harder to physically see it in person and test drive the car before committing to buying the vehicle.
• Distance and being in a different legal jurisdiction can make fraudulent behavior easier for scam artists. Beware of fraud and vehicles that sound “too good to be true.”
• Each state has its own emissions compliance, sales tax, registration and insurance requirements. As an auto group that operates in both Virginia and Maryland, Easterns Automotive makes the process of purchasing a vehicle far easier for car shoppers in both states. 

Is It Worthwhile to Buy a Car Out of State?

There are potential advantages to purchasing a car in a different state:

• The used car inventory available to you is much larger when you expand your search to a second state. Your chances of finding the perfect preowned vehicle will be higher.
• You may end up finding a more affordable vehicle.

Trust Easterns Automotive with Your Car Search in Virginia or Maryland

Easterns Automotive’s wide selection of pre-owned cars is easily accessible for residents of both Maryland and Virginia. We are committed to providing our customers with a hassle-free, convenient car buying experience — whether you are shopping in person or online.

Browse our inventory of used cars or visit one of our eight dealerships. Give Easterns a call at 877-867-0641 for more information today.

The post Are There Any Extra Steps Required If I Buy a Car in a Different State? appeared first on Easterns Automotive.

The truth is there is nothing that legally prohibits you from doing so, but some dealerships may limit the dollar amount on credit card purchases or may not accept credit cards altogether. If a car dealership does accept a credit card payment, it could be a feasible option for paying some or all of the down payment.

Like any large credit purchase, buying a car with a credit card might allow you to quickly acquire something you need right away. However, it can have a negative financial impact in the long run if you’re not careful.

It may make more sense to inquire about vehicle financing through Easterns Automotive before you resort to purchasing a car with your card.

What Can You Expect from a Car Dealership That Accepts Credit Cards?

Not all car dealerships will accept credit card payments. The ones that do will most likely have restrictions on the use of credit cards and may charge you transaction processing fees. While a credit card might be a necessity or convenience for you, it costs the dealer money to accept credit card payments.

The credit card fees a dealership is charged vary, but it’s usually around three percent of the transaction. For example, if you used a credit card for a $3,000 down payment on a vehicle, the dealership might be charged a $90 processing fee. They will likely pass this fee on to you. 

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Used Car on a Credit Card

• Credit card interest rates are often much higher than used car auto loans. While each bank uses different interest rates for consumers, it’s no secret that auto loans tend to be cheaper in comparison to the interest rates of most credit cards. If you find a credit card with a zero percent APR promotional period and you’re able to pay off the balance before the period ends, then you can, in theory, pay no interest to finance the vehicle during that time. However, this still doesn’t change the fact that the dealer will most likely charge you the transaction processing fee.
• You will need to have a high credit limit. Whether you are looking to buy the car outright or put a sizeable down payment on a credit card, you must ensure you have a high enough credit limit. You can call your bank to request a credit limit increase and they may approve it if your account is in good standing. Also, be aware of your credit utilization (the percentage of your credit that is currently being used). If it goes too high, your credit could be at risk.
• Always notify your credit card issuer before making any large purchases. It’s good to get in the habit of contacting your credit card company to let them know that you will be making a sizeable purchase. This tells them the charge isn’t fraudulent and you should hopefully avoid any transaction delays.

What Are Your Other Options for Financing a Used Car?

If you will be unable to pay off your credit card balance as soon as it’s due, then it may not be the best financing choice for you. The good news is you have many other pre-owned car financing options:

• Apply for an auto loan (interest rates on auto loans are much lower than credit cards)
• Use a loan co-signer (this is a great option if your personal credit score is too low to qualify for a loan)
• Trade-in your old vehicle and put that money toward a down payment
• Use some (but not all) of your cash savings for the down payment

Let Easterns Automotive Help You Finance Your Used Car Purchase

Searching for a pre-owned vehicle in Washington D.C. or Baltimore can be tough. Easterns Automotive is here to help you find a car you will love — and a reasonable auto loan.

For the last 30 years, car shoppers have relied on Easterns to help them build good credit and finance their used car purchases.

Give Easterns a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our eight dealerships for more information on the pre-owned vehicles we have in stock.

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