Monthly Archives: May 2023

Pay It Forward – The Humane Rescue Alliance

Over the past couple of months, the Humane Rescue Alliance has witnessed a significant increase in intakes, a trend not limited to their shelter alone but seen across the country. It’s a challenging time for these furry friends, as last week alone, the Humane Rescue Alliance took in 90 dogs while only 17 found their forever homes. Easterns Automotive Group, a dealership dedicated to helping customers find their dream cars and making a positive impact in the community, has partnered with the Humane Rescue Alliance to support their mission of finding loving homes for these deserving animals.

Recognizing the urgent need to find loving families for these dogs, the Humane Rescue Alliance has actively promoted their adorable four-legged companions by offering a 50% discount on adoption fees. Their message is clear: if you’re considering adopting a pet, there’s not much you need to do to prepare—simply come with a leash and a plan. The Alliance ensures that potential adopters receive comprehensive information about the dogs, including their health history and guidance on seamlessly integrating them into their new homes.

The Humane Rescue Alliance understands that finding the perfect match between a dog and its forever home is crucial. Their experienced team guides potential adopters, helping them navigate the adoption process and select a dog that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences. Whether you’re looking for an active companion for outdoor adventures or a laid-back snuggle buddy, the Humane Rescue Alliance is committed to helping you find the ideal furry addition to your family.

Committed to making a difference in the community, Easterns Automotive Group has joined forces with Fox 5 on this Pay It Forward to assist the Humane Rescue Alliance in its noble endeavor. Easterns Automotive Group is covering the remaining fees for the first 20 dogs adopted through the Humane Rescue Alliance to encourage and support pet adoption. Contact the Humane Rescue Alliance today if you’re ready to open your heart and home to a loving companion.

Helping Hands: Wheel 2 Win

After a life-altering accident seven years ago that left him paralyzed, Dallas Disbro has turned his adversity into an opportunity to pursue his passion and positively impact others. In 2016, he suffered a debilitating neck injury while diving in Ocean City.

In 2018, he created Wheel 2 Win, a 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball tournament at Georgetown University. This event is a fundraiser for his local non-profit organization, The United Spinal Association of Washington, DC, dedicated to promoting awareness and inclusion.

Through his non-profit, Dallas actively supports and empowers the spinal cord injury community in the DMV area through mentoring programs, enriching trips, and essential grants to individuals in need.

Recognizing the inspiring work being done by Dallas and his non-profit, Easterns Automotive Group felt compelled to show their support. Joel Bassam, representing Easterns, joined 7 News to deliver a heartfelt message and a surprise donation of $2,200.

Is the Hyundai Elantra a Good Car?

2020 Hyundai Elantra SE

The Hyundai Elantra has risen in popularity in the world of smaller sedans thanks to its reliability, affordability and stylish design. Many past Hyundai Elantra buyers think it’s not just a good car, but a great car. There are a lot of points in the Hyundai Elantra’s favor that have made it a vehicle many depend on and trust, especially first-time car buyers.

Key Points About the Hyundai Elantra

  • Stylish Design: The Hyundai Elantra has a sophisticated exterior with sharp lines, a bold grille and eye-catching headlights.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The Elantra boasts a fuel efficiency of 25 MPG for cities and 34 MPG for highways, making it a cost-effective choice whether it’s for a daily commute or a road trip.
  • Advanced Technology: Hyundai has equipped the Elantra with advanced technology features to enhance convenience, connectivity and entertainment on the go. Features in modern Hyundai Elantra models include a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports and available premium sound systems.
  • Safety Features: Hyundai prioritizes safety above all else, which is why they have supplied the Elantra with advanced driver-assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rearview cameras, lane-keeping assist and more to protect you from accidents.
  • Reliability: With proper maintenance and care, the Elantra can last drivers up to 250,000 miles. If an Elantra is driven approximately 10,000 miles a year, it should reliably last for a minimum of 20 years.
  • Affordability: The Hyundai Elantra is competitively priced at around $22,000, which is an attractive number compared to other smaller sedans.

Best Hyundai Elantra Years as Ranked by Value

While virtually every Hyundai Elantra model year is generally considered exceptional, there are some particularly renowned production years:

2017

The 2017 Elantra received a significant redesign, showcasing a more upscale look and improved interior quality. It also introduced new safety features and offered a smooth and comfortable ride.

2018

Building upon the success of the previous year, the 2018 Elantra maintained its attractive design while adding more standard features, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-change assist.

2020

The 2020 Elantra featured a refreshed exterior design and updated technology, including a larger infotainment screen and improved driver assistance features. It provides a modern driving experience at a competitive price point.

2022

One of the latest models, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra, boasted enhanced technology and comfort. The 2022 Elantra received a consumer rating of 4.1 out of 5 and other glowing reviews.

The Hyundai Elantra’s Hits and Misses

Hits:

  • Affordable and dependable, making it a smart choice for any type of driver.
  • Stylish and aerodynamic design sets it apart from other vehicles in its class.
  • Hyundai’s impressive warranty coverage, including a lengthy powertrain warranty, provides peace of mind to owners.
  • The 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2022 models offer best-in-class performance among compact cars released in those years.

Misses:

  • While the Elantra provides adequate power for daily driving, it’s not a sports car. It may not deliver the exhilarating performance some drivers desire. This isn’t an issue for most drivers seeking a dependable commuter vehicle.
  • The Elantra’s rear seats, although comfortable, may feel cramped for taller passengers on longer journeys.
  • The 2013 and 2016 models showcased some technical issues. It’s worth noting that, even in “off” years, the Elantra still reviewed well. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra earned a 4.2 out of 5 consumer rating with Kelley Blue Book and a 4.4 out of 5 with CarMax, while the 2016 Hyundai Elantra earned a 4.2 out of 5 for both of those ratings.

Browse Through Our Robust Selection of Pre-Owned Vehicle

At Easterns Automotive Group, we offer an extensive collection of pre-owned Hyundai Elantra vehicles to DC, Maryland and Virginia drivers. In addition to offering a diverse, high-quality selection of pre-owned cars, we also offer some of the best financing options in the DMV. Our team excels at helping drivers find the right car and financing solution for their needs.

Whether you’re after a Hyundai Elantra model, another type of compact sedan or any other type of vehicle, our team is ready to assist you. Check out our inventory of pre-owned vehicles online or visit one of our eight locations today.

Helping Hands: Cake4Kids

Thousands of children around the DMV experience their birthdays without a birthday cake. In fact, some say they have never received one. That’s why one Fairfax county nonprofit called Cake4Kids is working to change that.

“It never occurred to me that children go without a birthday cake, and that broke my heart,” said Mary Campbell, owner of the nonprofit Cake4Kids. “It’s homeless children, it’s children in domestic violence shelters, it’s foster children, it’s children in immigration services, and it’s children with free and reduced lunch. We do a lot of Title I schools.”

Campbell is committed to making a difference through her nonprofit organization in Fairfax County with the help of 650 local volunteer bakers, including some who aren’t bakers at all.

A volunteer, Patt Rossini, baked for a kid who had never had a cake before. “It was a last-minute request for a Fort Nite cake, and later I got a ‘thank you’ picture with the child, which killed me,” Rossini said.

Cake4Kids’ mission inspired 7News and Easterns Automotive Group to surprise the nonprofit with a 7News Helping Hand.

Joel Bassam joined with a special for Cakes4Kids. “Cake4Kids is an amazing organization. You guys do something that many people take for granted by supporting those kids who might not have a cake for their birthday,” said Joel Bassam from Easterns Automotive Group. “Using that secret ingredient of baking extra love into it and then delivering it to their home is an amazing way to support the community. We want to help you guys continue to do that by donating $2,200 so you can continue baking all of those cakes across the DMV.”

It was a huge surprise donation for Campbell, and she was extremely grateful. She says everything (and everyone) helps make their goal of giving kids cakes on their birthdays successful.