Monthly Archives: February 2023

Top 10 Exotic Cars Found in The United States

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top 10 exotic cars found in the united states

Exotic cars garner attention for their luxury appeal and unique blend of performance and horsepower. To the untrained eye, they may seem frivolous, but car enthusiasts, racers and collectors alike all know exotic cars will always have their place in the automotive industry.

From undeniable power to the complexity of needing special instructions for handling and driving, the top ten exotic cars available in the US are sure to leave an impression.

1. Dodge Viper

Nicknamed the Widow Maker, the Dodge Viper is known for its intense power, exclusivity and for being difficult to handle on the road. It comes with a manual transmission that requires special driving lessons to handle due to the limited driver aids. The Dodge Viper production was introduced in the nineties with the help of Bob Klutz. It boasts the Italian V-10 engine. It is still around today, though it is difficult to maintain due to a limited supply of its unique parts.

2. Falcon F7

Made in Michigan, the Falcon F7 was the supercar dream of Jeff Lemke, Falcon Motorsport CEO. Its name is a tribute to the fact that it has several components that are based on US fighter aircraft, such as the exhaust and instrument gauges. The Falcon had an extremely low production run, and each vehicle is curated for the individual purchaser.

3. Ferrari Roma

The Ferrari Roma is an elegant exotic car from which all exterior detailing was removed to maintain its visual purity. According to Ferrari, this Roma is meant to embody the carefree, pleasurable lifestyle that exemplified Rome in the 50s and 60s.

4. Maserati MC20

The Maserati MC20 is a vehicle of firsts in its line. It is the first Maserati with a carbon fiber monocoque and the first to don the newest high-performance Nettuno engine. The vehicle has a total weight of fewer than 3,307 pounds, which is another one of its standout qualities. The light weight makes it optimal for speed and easy acceleration on the road.

5. Audi RS6 Avant

The Audi RS6 Avant is an exotic wagon that was released in the US in 2020. It has a 4L twin-turbo engine and can go from zero to 60 in less than four seconds. The RS6 is a supercar that can double as a family vehicle, with several safety features such as improved ventilated brakes and lane departure warning, all while toting the horsepower of the average race car.

6. DBS Superleggera

Aston Martin produced, the Superleggera travels with undeniable power and multiple build options, making it lightweight and fast. Whether you opt for the Grand Tourer, Coupe or Volante variety, the Superleggera delivers on performance aerodynamics with its carbon fiber exterior to optimize handling and road stability.

7. Ultimate Aero TT

The Ultimate Aero TT was crafted by SSC North America. The company was originally known as Shelby SuperCars Inc. This was their first vehicle, and it took design notes from Lamborghini as well as Koenigsegg. The Ultimate Aero uses butterfly doors that stand out amongst the competition because they open up and out rather than just up. The TT model arrived in 2007 and was equipped with a twin-turbo LS6 V8, which boasts just over 1,000 horsepower.

8. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray brought an impressive redesign from the Corvette line. It has an LT2 V8 engine which is the jewel of this vehicle. The mid-engine is visible through the rear hatch window, and the car can accelerate from zero to 60 in less than three seconds.

9. Bentley Continental GT

The Bentley Continental GT can be outfitted with either a V8 or a V12 engine and comes in both the coupe and convertible versions. This car makes the exotic list because of its upscale exterior, exclusive production and luxury price point. Its powerful engine combined with a luxe interior makes it the perfect blend between a supercar and an exotic vehicle.

10. Mosler MT900

The Mosler MT900 was created by Rod Trenne, who helped design the Corvette C5. It also comes in a racing version, the Mosler MT900R, which was specifically designed for speed and is road legal. The Mosler MT900 boasts a 350 horsepower LS6 V6 engine and a rear-wheel drive system allowing it to reach 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds.

Visit an Easterns Automotive Near You Today

Are you looking to purchase a used vehicle? Do you want the process to be simple and supportive? At Easterns Automotive, you can visit any one of our eight locations for stellar services as you pick out the vehicle of your dreams. We offer financing and trade-in offers and are ready to help you save today.

Call us at 877-867-0641 to connect with one of our team members.

Why Are Electric Vehicles So Expensive?

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expensive electric vehicles

Electric vehicles are so expensive because they are costly to produce and they are seen as high-value luxury items, so the premium price tag is validated by many purchasers.

Consumer perception has a large effect on the cost of electric vehicles as well. People are willing to pay more for an electric vehicle because they believe they can save with them long term. This allows brands to continue to market electric vehicles as having a higher value than their gas car counterparts.

Beyond these reasons, supply and demand are affecting the current price of electric vehicles. With more gas vehicles than electric vehicles in production, EVs have higher manufacturing costs with a limited supply of the materials needed to produce them. This contributes to the premium price tag for electric vehicle car shoppers.

Why Are EV Batteries So Expensive?

A large part of the high cost of electric vehicles is from the EV batteries. Batteries can range from $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your make and model. The materials that make up EV batteries are more expensive than those in traditional cars because they are larger and can hold more energy. 

While innovation is allowing EV battery manufacturers to mediate costs by making the parts with different materials, they are still significantly pricier than their gas vehicle counterparts. It is also costly to invest in the research to develop alternative materials and methods for producing batteries for electric vehicles, which has continued to inflate the cost in recent years.

Low Supply Causing High Purchase Rates

Supplies are also affecting the cost to build electric vehicles, which is inflating the purchase price. Currently, there is a computer chip and semiconductor shortage, which are essential parts for electric vehicles. In some cases, this is stifling manufacturing’s ability to meet EV demand.

Additionally, the supply of neon is crucial to the laser tech used to create semiconductors. Neon is generally sourced from Ukraine, which is currently undergoing its own war and political disarray, directly affecting its economy and production of goods.

Luxury Brands Are Producing Electric Vehicles as Flagships

Another contributor to the high cost of electric vehicles is that many luxury brands manufacture them. Brands like Tesla, Rivian, Mercedes and BMW dominate the electric vehicle market, which inflates the perceived cost, as well as the actual cost of EVs.

As more luxury brands create electric vehicles as their flagship automobiles, people are becoming used to seeing EVs in a certain price range. This has the added effect of allowing them to maintain that price range, even when they are manufactured by more affordable car lines.

Another issue is that luxury lines may not offer gas vehicles to give them a comparative pricing point for their electric vehicle lines. This means that not only are luxury brands able to market electric vehicles at a premium price because of performance and design, but the prices are competing with other luxury vehicle models.

This means that EVs are being sold primarily as luxury vehicles, which in some cases they are, and it warrants a luxury price tag.

How Are Individuals Affecting EV Prices?

Individuals are a key factor in the increasing prices of electric vehicles. Consumer opinion affects the price and the value assigned to goods and services. This is no different within the traditional car market.

Electric vehicles are often marketed as luxury items intended to help consumers save money over time on fuel costs. This has the effect of increasing their perceived value, so people expect to pay more money up front for the future savings.

Not only does this allow brands to charge more, but it’s partially the basis for why prices are still increasing. As the price of gasoline trends up people begin to see more value in electric vehicles, which reinforces their willingness to pay premium prices. This encourages even non-luxury brands to charge what they feel their electric vehicles are worth, with relatively little pushback from their consumer base.

Shop Used Cars at Easterns Automotive

Visit us at one of our eight locations to shop our comprehensive inventory of pre-owned vehicles, including gas, hybrid and electric models, at a competitive price.

We offer financing and trade-in credits and will work with you to simplify the car-buying process. Give us a call at 877-867-0641 to see how we can help.

Looking for a Compact Jeep? Consider the Jeep Renegade

Different Vehicle Makes
2016 Jeep Renegade Latitude

First introduced to the public in 2014, the crossover subcompact SUV remains Jeep’s smallest vehicle. It’s smaller size does not equate to reduced capabilities. Don’t be fooled by the Renegade’s toy-like appearance – they’ve loaded a lot of power into a compact package.

Like its cousins, the Wrangler, Compass and Cherokee, the Renegade is well-suited for off-roading thanks to its four-wheel-drive system, allowing you to navigate challenging terrains with ease. The Renegade Trailhawk trim, in particular, is known for its impressive off-road capabilities.

If you enjoy the thrill of off-roading paired with simplicity and compact size, the Jeep Renegade might be just what you need.

What Are the Different Trim Levels for the Jeep Renegade?

The North American versions of the Jeep Renegade come in four different trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk.

Jeep Renegade Sport

The Jeep Renegade Sport trim is the base trim level of the Jeep Renegade lineup. While it may be the entry-level option, it still offers a range of features and benefits that make it a capable and appealing choice for those looking for a compact SUV with off-road capabilities.

Despite being the base trim, the Renegade Sport still possesses Jeep’s off-road DNA. It features Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system, which allows you to select different driving modes for different terrains, enhancing off-road capabilities.

Featuring a fuel efficient 1.4L four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger for increased power, the Jeep Renegade is a truly versatile and economical vehicle suitable for city, dirt and highway driving.

Jeep Renegade Latitude

The Jeep Renegade Latitude trim is a step above the base Sport trim and offers a range of additional features and upgrades. Positioned as a more well-equipped option, the Latitude trim provides enhanced comfort, technology and style.

The Latitude trim comes with larger and more stylish alloy wheels and additional exterior styling elements, such as body-color exterior mirrors and door handles, giving it a more polished appearance and contributing to the vehicle’s overall visual appeal.

What’s more, the trim is available with the My Sky removable sunroof feature. The My Sky roof system is an optional feature that allows you to remove or retract the panels above the front and rear seats, essentially creating an open-air experience similar to a convertible.

Jeep Renegade Limited

The Jeep Renegade Limited trim is a higher-tier trim level that offers a range of advanced features, comfort upgrades and premium amenities compared to the base trims, including:

  • Leather upholstery and higher-quality finishes
  • 2.4L TigerShark Inline Four-Cylinder engine
  • The MySky removable “sunroof”
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Silver finished front grille
  • Chrome side mirrors and door handles

Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk trim is designed for those who prioritize off-road capability and adventure. Positioned as the most off-road-focused trim in the Renegade lineup, the Trailhawk offers a range of features and enhancements to tackle challenging terrains.

Some of the most prominent features and benefits of the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk include:

  • Trail-rated badge: The badge signifies the Trailhawk has been tested and proven to perform well in a variety of off-road conditions, including traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation and ground clearance.
  • Off-road performance: The vehicle is equipped with advanced off-road features, including the Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4×4 system, hill descent control, skid plates and unique suspension tuning for better articulation and ground clearance.
  • Selec-terrain traction management system: The Selec-Terrain system allows you to choose from different driving modes tailored to various terrains such as snow, mud, sand and rock.
  • Enhanced ground clearance: The Trailhawk boasts higher ground clearance compared to other trims, allowing it to navigate over obstacles and uneven terrain more easily.
  • All-terrain tires: This Jeep Renegade trim comes equipped with all-terrain tires that provide improved grip on a variety of surfaces, enhancing traction during off-road excursions.
  • Exterior design: The Trailhawk possesses distinctive exterior design elements, including red tow hooks, black hood decal and unique badging, giving it a rugged and aggressive appearance.

Take One of Our Preowned Jeep Renegades for a Spin

Browse our inventory of used Jeep Renegades to find your best match. We have a wide selection of preowned Renegades that have been thoroughly inspected and are ready to hit the road.

Whether you’re looking for a Trailhawk for off-road adventures, a Limited for added comfort or any other trim that suits your needs, we have options for you.

Helping Hands: Operation Understanding

Community, Uncategorized,

Operation Understanding has been giving back to the community for the past 30 years now. The nonprofit brings students together to fight racism, antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.

“A very important part of the program is the emotional component, difficult discussions addressing tough issues and being honest with each other,” says Daniel Nathan, President of OUDC. “The students create a sense of community, and these are 24 students with a very diverse background.”

Youth from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) are brought together by the nonprofit to empower a generation of social justice leaders by promoting respect, understanding, and cooperation.

“Still focused on anti-racism and anti-Semitism, which is still very important, we are looking at other oppressed minorities,” Nathan said. “We are looking at Asian-Pacific Islanders and anti-Muslim and LGBTQ+.”

Karim Marshall, an active board member, is an alum of the program from the ’90s.

“We have expanded the program to explicitly include all communities because we know that in order for us to make meaningful social changes and build coalitions, we need to make sure that everybody is at the table,” Marshall said.

Amazed by the awesome work that Operation Understanding is doing Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group wanted to surprise Operation Understanding DC with a 7 News Helping Hand.

“Operation Understanding DC has been doing amazing work for almost 30 years. Leading change, strengthening identity, and exploring history is such a beautiful mission. The way that you have been able to promote respect and cooperation by fighting discrimination of all forms is a beautiful mission that we want to support. We are donating $2,200 to your cause so you can keep helping those who need it most.”

Nathan expressed that the donation would benefit the nonprofit in a variety of ways such as paying staff and meals for students.

Conditions And Driving Habits That Take a Toll on the Performance of Your Car

FAQs
old run down car

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.

Helping Hands: S.A.F.E. DC

Community,

Coach Spyke Henry has been pouring into the kids of the Washington D.C. community for the past 30 years through his non-profit S.A.F.E. DC. In 1993, he founded the nonprofit to provide affordable tennis and education programs to the youth in his community.

His eyes light up when he talks about his students’ success. Recently, a student of his had the opportunity to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain.

“Going to Spain, that was phenomenal, and last year we had a kid that won a full-ride scholarship to Brown University,” Henry shared.

“I want to congratulate S.A.F.E. for over 30 years of helping individuals and kids throughout the inner cities with amazing tennis programs to enrich their lives,” Bassam said. “We want to help you continue that tradition by donating $2,200 to your cause so you can keep supporting those who need it the most. Keep doing the amazing work you are doing.”

Henry greatly appreciated the surprise donation and said it would be helpful for tennis gear.

“This means we can have more tennis rackets and tennis parties. We can have more kids involved, and what we have been trying to do is get uniforms,” Henry expressed.