Monthly Archives: July 2023

Helping Hands: Asian American Lead

At Eastern Motors, we recognize the importance of highlighting and supporting underserved communities. Last May, during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we had the honor of teaming up with Joel Bassam and 7News to surprise AALEAD (Asian American Youth Leadership Empowerment and Development) with a Helping Hand.


AALEAD is a remarkable organization dedicated to shaping the lives of low-income Asian youth in the Washington, D.C., region. Their year-round efforts in providing after-school programs, summer programs, and mentoring opportunities create a safe and empowering space for these young individuals.


As Akil Vohra, President of AALEAD, aptly says, “We’re here together. We really want to help the AAPI community and develop the next generation of leaders.”


To celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and support AALEAD’s impactful work, Joel Bassam of Eastern Motors surprised them with a generous donation of $2,200. This contribution will directly contribute to the programs and field trips that benefit the AAPI youth in the community.


“We want to support your program by donating $2,200 so you can keep supporting D.C. youth. Keep doing the amazing work that you are doing,” Bassam expressed.


Eastern Motors is honored to be a part of this journey, standing alongside AALEAD in empowering and uplifting the AAPI community. Let’s continue to celebrate diversity, foster inclusivity, and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Helping Hands: Equality NoVa

At Easterns Automotive Group, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible efforts of community organizations like Equality NoVa, dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Virginia. Recently, we had the privilege of teaming up with 7News to surprise Equality NoVa with a Helping Hand, further supporting their valuable work.

Daniel Hays, a passionate Arlington resident, has been an integral part of Equality NoVa, formerly known as Arlington Gay Lesbian Alliance. As the vice president, Hays has been committed to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ community members and allies, creating safe spaces, organizing book clubs, drag show benefits, and political Town Halls.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in the power of giving back to the community, which is why we stand in solidarity with Equality NoVa. Hays’s personal journey, overcoming mental illness with the support of the drag queen and LGBTQ+ community, inspired us to lend our Helping Hand.

Equality NoVa relies solely on donations to sustain their impactful work, as they have zero paid staff. We were thrilled to offer our support to ensure their continued growth and expanded community outreach. Together, we can spread love, acceptance, and create a world where everyone is embraced for who they are.

As Hays beautifully puts it, “Right now it’s important that we are out there visibly but that we don’t respond to the hate with hate. We have to respond to the hate with love.”

Join us in celebrating the work of Equality NoVa and their dedication to promoting equality, inclusivity, and positive change. Let’s continue supporting organizations that make a difference in our community.

Helping Hands: Safe Space NOVA

As we embrace the spirit of Pride Month, Easterns Automotive Group teamed up with 7News on this Helping Hands to bring a burst of joy to Safe Space NOVA. Recognizing the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, Easterns Automotive is determined to make a difference. Joining forces with 7News, we proudly surprised Safe Space NOVA with a heartfelt gesture of support.


To kick off Pride Month with a celebration of inclusivity and support, Joel Bassam, President of Easterns Automotive Group, expressed his admiration for Safe Space NOVA. He said, “What better way to kick off Pride Month than by highlighting an amazing organization like Safe Space NOVA? We want to support you and the programs you run in the LGBTQ+ community by donating $2,200 so you can keep supporting the youth in our area. Keep doing the amazing work that you are doing.”


With this heartfelt donation, we’re proud to support their vital work in providing a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth in Northern Virginia. Let’s stand together to celebrate love, acceptance and positively impact our community.

Looking for a Versatile and Family-Friendly Vehicle?

2018 GMC Terrain SLT

The GMC Terrain is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors under the GMC brand. The 2010 GMC Terrain was the first in a line of increasingly advanced and functional SUVs. The Terrain is designed to offer a combination of style, comfort, advanced technology and versatility in a more compact package compared to the larger GMC SUVs.

If you’re looking for a visually appealing, family friendly SUV, the GMC Terrain may be an option worth exploring.

What Are Some Common Trim Levels Available for the GMC Terrain?

  • L: The base trim often referred to as the “SL” comes with essential features and serves as an entry-level option. It typically has a simplified set of features while still offering the core GMC experience.
  • SLE: The “SLE” trim adds more features and options compared to the base trim. It typically includes enhanced technology, comfort features and additional styling elements.
  • SLT: The “SLT” trim represents a mid-range option that offers more premium features and advanced technology. The standard SLT trim includes leather upholstery, advanced infotainment and added convenience features.
  • Denali: The Denali trim is the top-tier offering for GMC vehicles, including the Terrain. It represents the epitome of luxury and comes with the highest level of features, premium materials and advanced technology. Denali trims often have unique styling cues as well.

What Engine Does the GMC Terrain Have?

The standard GMC Terrain features a 1.5L four-cylinder engine. Some trims come with a turbocharged version of the engine, meaning the vehicle has improved performance without significantly increasing the engine’s physical size.

What Makes the GMC Terrain a Family-Friendly SUV?

Spacious interior: The Terrain offers ample interior space, providing comfortable seating for both passengers and cargo. Families can enjoy sufficient legroom, headroom and storage capacity for their needs.

Safety features: The Terrain comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help enhance driver awareness and safety for both the driver and passengers.

Connectivity and entertainment: Modern families value connectivity, and many Terrain models offer advanced infotainment systems with features like touchscreen displays, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and multiple USB ports. This keeps everyone entertained and connected on the go.

Comfortable ride: The Terrain’s suspension and interior design contribute to a comfortable ride quality, ensuring that family members of all ages can enjoy a smooth and pleasant journey.

Family-friendly seating: Many modern Terrain trims feature power-adjustable seats, heated front seats and optional leather upholstery. These amenities enhance comfort for passengers during longer drives.

Versatile storage: The Terrain includes versatile storage solutions like split-folding rear seats and a flat cargo floor. This allows families to accommodate both passengers and larger items like strollers, sports equipment or groceries.

Available all-wheel drive: Families can benefit from the Terrain’s available all-wheel-drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability in adverse conditions.

Cabin quietness: A quiet cabin reduces fatigue during long trips and allows passengers to converse comfortably. The Terrain is designed to minimize road and wind noise for a more peaceful ride.

Safety ratings: The GMC Terrain often receives high safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), providing families with added peace of mind.

Family-focused trims: Some Terrain trims offer specific family-friendly features such as rear-seat entertainment systems, additional rear-seat USB ports and more.

Browse Our Inventory of GMC Terrain Trims and Schedule a Test Drive

At Easterns Automotive, we understand the importance of finding the right vehicle that matches your preferences. Check our current inventory and see if we have a GMC Terrain that meets your needs.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re here to ensure you have a seamless and satisfying test drive experience. If you’d like to take one of our available preowned GMC Terrains for a drive or explore similar SUVs, don’t hesitate to call 888-650-4775 or simply visit one of our dealerships in person.

Is the Hyundai Kona a Good Car?

2018 Hyundai Kona SEL

Although “good” may be a subjective term, there are some quantifiable, broadly accepted vehicle attributes and performance factors that can be used to establish a vehicle’s quality. Things like longevity, storage space, fuel efficiency and price point are just some of the measurable variables that enable rating agencies and drivers to make value judgments on vehicles.

When it comes to compact SUVs, the Hyundai Kona has frequently been heralded as a good vehicle. Ranked third in the subcompact SUV category and winning awards for Best Cars For Teens and Best Cars For Your Money, it’s a reliable and smart choice for many buyers. In nearly every relevant measure, the Hyundai Kona stands out as a strong contender against its competitors.

Key Points About the Hyundai Kona

  • Design: The Hyundai Kona boasts a stylish and modern design with bold lines and a confident stance.
  • Powertrain Options: The Hyundai Kona offers a range of powertrain options to suit different preferences and needs – from gasoline engines that deliver a good balance of power and fuel efficiency to the Kona Electric variant that provides an all-electric driving experience with impressive range and zero emissions.
  • Technology and Connectivity: The Hyundai Kona incorporates advanced technology features that enhance the driving experience. It offers a touchscreen infotainment system with intuitive controls, smartphone integration (such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and available wireless charging.
  • Safety Features: Safety is a priority in the Hyundai Kona. The vehicle comes with a robust collection of safety features to help prevent accidents from occurring, as well as devices designed to minimize the risk of driver and passenger injuries if they are involved in a crash. Recent model years incorporate forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a rearview camera.
  • Versatility and Cargo Space: Despite its compact size, the Hyundai Kona provides ample interior space for passengers and cargo, allowing for versatile transportation for any situation.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The Hyundai Kona boasts competitive gas mileage at 30 MPG for cities and 35 MPG for highways. Its hybrid variation offers an impressive 50 MPG for cities and 58 MPG for highways. No matter which gasoline engine option you choose, the Hyundai Kona is guaranteed to help you save money on fuel.
  • Warranty and Reliability: A Hyundai Kona can easily reach 200,000 miles, which – with proper care and maintenance – equates to about 15 years of reliable performance. The compact SUV also comes with a comprehensive warranty package, including a lengthy powertrain warranty, providing peace of mind to owners.

Best Hyundai Kona Years as Ranked by Value

While the Hyundai Kona has consistently proven to be a dependable and well-rounded vehicle, some model years stand out as offering exceptional value for pre-owned car shoppers.

2020

The 2020 model year boasts improved fuel efficiency and enhanced safety features at a competitive, affordable price, which is why J.D. Power gave the vehicle a score of 81 out of 100 on reliability and quality.

2021

The 2021 model year introduced several updates and improvements to the Kona lineup, including a broader range of engines. Drivers can choose between gas, hybrid and even electric models that all received high scores for their sporty handling, spacious interior and reliability.

Hyundai Kona Compact SUV Hits and Misses

Hits:

  • Attractive design and modern styling
  • Balanced performance and handling
  • Impressive fuel efficiency across models
  • An abundance of technology and safety features
  • Versatile interior space and cargo capacity
  • Competitive pricing compared to its rivals

Misses:

  • Some may find the ride quality to be slightly firm
  • Rear legroom may be limited for taller passengers
  • Base engine power may feel underwhelming for those seeking sportier performance

Find Exceptional Pre-Owned Hyundai Kona Models in the DMV

Easterns Automotive Group is ready to buy your old car and help you find the best pre-owned car, truck and SUV for your needs in our robust inventory. We usually have several great Hyundai Kona models in stock. You can also customize your own car shopping experience with the help of a personal car shopping concierge, whether you prefer to shop with us online or in person at one of our eight dealerships.

Our team will work hard to help you find a vehicle you’ll love for a long time to come. Contact us today to learn more and start shopping.