Monthly Archives: April 2024

Are Mazdas Good Cars?

Mazda cx 5 touring

Absolutely – despite having less market share compared to big-name competitors like Honda and  Toyota, Mazda has managed to not just stand out, but stand above them in some categories. The brand is often praised for their chic exteriors, ergonomic driving dynamics and powerful engines, all of which create an exhilarating driving experience that can add more excitement to any trip.

At Easterns Automotive, we offer certified pre-owned Mazdas that have been fully repaired and refurbished to ensure they’ll provide buyers with a continually rewarding driving experience for many years to come.

Reliable

Mazda has outranked bigger name car brands like Honda and Toyota in reliability studies, ranking fifth across all 32 car brands. Because Mazda is a substantially smaller company compared to its competitors, it produces a smaller line and number of cars. This exclusivity allows the maker to invest more time and resources into each vehicle they produce, guaranteeing any Mazda model you choose has been optimized for premium, long-lasting quality. Moreover, despite producing borderline luxury vehicles, they don’t charge luxury prices, so shoppers can enjoy an expensive feeling thrill without breaking the bank. Even low credit shoppers can buy a high-quality Mazda when they work with Easterns Automotive’s flexible and award-winning financing team.

At Easterns Automotive, we ensure all our pre-owned Mazda models meet the brand’s high standards. Our team tirelessly maintains each pre-owned model in our inventory to ensure your select purchase delivers maximum performance and uncompromised quality. With our seven-day return policy and 30-day / 1,000-mile warranty, you can have peace of mind that any issues will be promptly addressed and rectified, so your investment maintains its value.

Fun to Drive

Mazda prioritizes the relationship a driver has with their vehicle above all else – epitomized by the maker’s brand mantra, Jinba Ittai, or “the oneness of horse and rider.” The Mazda team is a firm believer that a car should feel like an extension of the driver and fine-tunes their models to create this feeling. They utilize ergonomic handling and responsive gas pedals to give drivers a highly immersive experience, merging seamlessly with their cars as soon as they settle into their seats.

Affordable

Enjoy luxury driving without the luxury prices. Mazda creates premium vehicles that are dependable and fun to drive at a much lower price than their competitors. Because the brand isn’t as big or as well-known as Toyota or Honda, its MSRPs are generally lower despite offering comparable features. Since they are a smaller company, Mazda has been able to divert more attention and resources into their select models without dramatically increasing the cost.

Mazda models cost substantially less to maintain and repair, averaging around $426 annually while the average for the other top 32 car brands is at least $652. Moreover, the brand doesn’t compromise their models’ longevity for affordability – most models perform optimally for 250,000 miles or over a decade.

As a result, drivers can enjoy the dynamic performance and first-class comfort of a luxury vehicle complete with metal finishes, wood trims and suede and leather seats for a much more reasonable price.

Affordability, reliability and quality are guaranteed when you shop certified pre-owned Mazdas at Easterns Automotive. 

#1 Certified Pre-Owned Mazda Dealer That Doesn’t Limit Your Options Based on Your Credit Score

Our car shoppers never have to worry about their credit score limiting their options. Even if you have a deep subprime score, our skilled financing team will do everything in their power to help you afford a certified pre-owned Mazda. We’re a “Your Job is Your Credit™” dealership, which means all you need is proof of employment for us to help you get the loan you require, regardless of your credit score. We’ll leverage our extensive bank and auto loan network and help bolster your application to increase your chances of securing your ideal loan with reasonable terms.

Test drive one of our certified pre-owned Mazdas with confidence and the support of our flexible financing options. Explore our Mazda inventory today, or stop by our dealership in West Baltimore today.

Questions to Ask a Used Mazda Dealer Before Buying

A certified pre-owned Mazda is a great investment for shoppers who want to experience the unique benefits of the brand – from its high reliability rating and low maintenance costs to its ergonomic design that lends itself to a superior performance experience at a better price and with lower insurance premiums.

However, the difference between a worthwhile investment and a lemon is in the details, which shoppers need to weed through. Those looking to buy a pre-owned car should thoroughly assess the model and ask the dealership the right questions to confirm it’s been maintained to the same quality standards as a new model.

At Easterns Automotive, we ask the same questions while refurbishing our pre-owned models and work diligently to ensure each model in our vast inventory meets strict quality standards to maximize the value and recoup potential for our customers.

  1. How Does the Model Look and Handle?

Be sure to inspect and test drive the model to confirm its high quality. Just because a car is pre-owned doesn’t mean it should be second-rate – especially if it’s a Mazda. The brand’s philosophy is centered around Jinba Ittai, or “the oneness of horse and rider.” When you’re driving a Mazda, it should feel like an extension of yourself, providing a seamless, immersive and exhilarating experience.

At Easterns Automotive, we ensure all our pre-owned vehicles meet their maker’s high performance standards. Our team thoroughly inspects our Mazda models’ engines, cabins and exteriors to ensure they retain the same performance capabilities, style and comfort of a newly released model. We work diligently to make our drivers feel at one with their pre-owned Mazda as soon as they settle into their seats.

  1. What’s the Vehicle’s History?

Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to review the pre-owned Mazda model’s history. This report will also give you valuable insight into the vehicle’s past, including any accidents, title issues and odometer readings. At Easterns Automotive, most of our Mazda models are only a few years old at most and have been thoroughly checked and repaired as needed to restore their quality and ensure a long lifespan for customers.

  1. What’s the Warranty?

Determine if the pre-owned Mazda vehicle comes with extended warranty options and how long the coverage lasts. Even if an Easterns Automotive vehicle doesn’t have an existing warranty, we offer a seven-day return policy and 30-day / 1,000-mile warranty to give our shoppers peace of mind that, even if they run into an issue, we’ll address it promptly.

  1. What Credit Score Do I Need to Qualify?

Shoppers usually require a credit score of at least 600 to qualify for a car loan. Some subprime lenders may accept 500, but you’ll typically have a longer loan term, which can result in a high interest rate. Certain dealerships turn low credit car shoppers away or take advantage of them by selling them limited-mile lemons – not us. At Easterns Automotive, we don’t stress over credit scores. Instead, Your Job is Your Credit™. All we need is proof of employment and our well-connected auto financing team will leverage our auto lending network to help you get an adequate auto loan for a high-quality car.

  1. Can I Get a Good Loan for This Model?

Even if you qualify for auto financing, you’re not guaranteed a fair loan. Your chances of securing a good auto loan depend on not just your credit score and history, but also the type of car you’re trying to buy. A new car tends to be a costly expenditure that can raise your loan rate, but a cheap, pre-owned car that’s been shoddily maintained can also result in an exceedingly high loan rate because it won’t have a good resale value – which lenders depend on if you fail to make payments and they need to repossess and sell the car.

Our certified pre-owned vehicles offer the best of both, costing less while retaining a high resale value since they’ve been carefully inspected and brought up to Mazda’s high quality standards.

#1 Certified Pre-Owned Dealership for Quality and Flexible Financing in D.C. or Baltimore

The Easterns Automotive team makes finding a first-rate, pre-owned Mazda and securing a favorable loan easy and stress-free. Our auto loan team is ready to use our relationships with banks and financiers to your advantage, regardless of your credit score.

Get expert guidance through every step of the car buying process, from finding the right car to strengthening your application for an auto loan. Browse our Mazda inventory online or in person at one of our dealerships today.

5 Important Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Used Mazda Vehicle

A pre-owned Mazda model is a great alternative investment that can help car shoppers save money without skimping on a curated, immersive driving experience that will pay tremendous dividends for the foreseeable future. That said, the devil is in the details. There’s a thin line between an investment with a high recoup value and a waste of money, and which one it is depends on the quality of the pre-owned vehicle and whether the dealership performed a detail-oriented maintenance inspection to ensure the car meets strict quality standards.

At Easterns Automotive, we utilize expert vehicle inspectors, maintenance professionals and OEM resources to ensure every model in our extensive inventory meets our high quality standards. We won’t list a Mazda in our inventory until we’ve verified that it will perform optimally for many years and miles to come, giving our customers the biggest bang for their buck.

Appearance

A certified pre-owned vehicle won’t look pre-owned – it should be virtually indiscernible from a new vehicle. Be sure to inspect the exterior for any signs of damage, such as rust, dents, scratches or faded paint as well as the interior for stained seats, worn-out upholstery, damaged dashboards and unusual odors. At Easterns Automotive, we work hard to fully restore our Mazda models to ensure they look as good as the new releases.

Features

Evaluate the built-in features included in the vehicle, such as the dynamic SKYACTIV engine, advanced i-ACTIVSENSE safety features (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, etc.), high-definition infotainment and the driver-assistance systems such as adaptive headlights and traffic sign recognition. Our team inspects the technology in our certified pre-owned Mazda models to ensure it’s operational and up-to-date before we sell them.

Performance

A qualified mechanic should inspect a pre-owned car before it’s sold, assessing the critical mechanical components including the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension and exhaust system. They should have the experience and know-how to find issues that the untrained eye can’t spot, including signs of wear and tear, leaks and unusual noises or vibrations. 

You can also discern potential problems by test driving the car so you can have the opportunity to test the acceleration and braking. There are also minor things that only a test driver can reveal, like the quality of the car’s air conditioning, which, while perhaps not critical, can be a vital feature during a muggy Baltimore or D.C. summer.

We’ve maintained all our models to their makers’ high standards and offer thorough test drives for our customers to ensure they leave our dealership satisfied and with the perfect car for them.

Service Record

Review the vehicle’s service records to ensure it has been properly maintained. A complete service record can be helpful in determining if a pre-owned Mazda model is reliable or not. Look for evidence of routine tune-ups, oil changes and repairs to discern if the car has been maintained according to Mazda’s recommendations.

At Easterns Automotive, most of our Mazda models are only a few years old at most, meaning customers won’t have to worry about buying a high mileage vehicle. Even if the model is only a year old, we’ll fully inspect it to guarantee a long lifespan with uncompromised efficiency for the next owner. 

Resale Value

Resale value can vary depending on factors such as the model year, mileage and overall condition of the vehicle. Choosing a newer Mazda model with a high value can help minimize depreciation so selling or trading it in the future is more profitable. Having high recoup potential can also help shoppers secure favorable auto loan rates, as lenders may be more willing to lend money for a car that will retain its value.

At Easterns Automotive, all our certified pre-owned Mazda models offer long-lasting quality at a shockingly low price so customers have an increased chance of securing the loan they need.

Baltimore and D.C. Residents Can Get a Certified Pre-Owned Mazda Hassle-Free

As the winner of DealerRater’s “Consumer Satisfaction Award” seven years in a row, the team at Easterns Automotive has built a reputation for impressive customer service. As the #1 “Your Job is Your Credit™” dealership, we make shopping for a Mazda less stressful for shoppers of all credit types. All you need is proof of employment, and we’ll utilize the full extent of our lending know-how and extensive financing network to help you find the ideal loan for your financial situation.

We’ll help you find the perfect car at the right price. Learn more by exploring our Mazda inventory online or in person at one of our dealership locations today.

Helping Hands: Street Line DC

In the heart of DC, one man’s journey from incarceration to community activism is making waves. Meet Ricky Bryant, the founder of “Street Line DC,” a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to curbing youth violence and providing support to at-risk youth in our city.

Having experienced the challenges of incarceration firsthand, Ricky’s passion for change is deeply rooted in his own personal journey. Determined to break the cycle of violence and provide hope for a brighter future, he founded Street Line DC with a mission to empower at-risk youth and create pathways to success.

At Easterns Automotive Group, we recognize the power of local heroes like Ricky who are driving positive change in our neighborhoods. Inspired by Ricky’s unwavering commitment to his community, we were honored to surprise him with a $2200 donation to support his vital work.

This donation will enable Street Line DC to expand its outreach efforts, providing essential resources, mentorship, and preventive programs to youth in need. Together, we’re fostering a culture of empowerment and resilience, ensuring that every young person in our city has the opportunity to thrive.

Helping Hands: Better A Life

In Virginia, one in 10 children faces hunger every day—a staggering reality that strikes close to home for one local woman who grew up in Fairfax County. Determined to make a difference, she ensures that no child in need goes hungry, providing food and support through her nonprofit organization, BetterALife.

Recently, Easterns Automotive Group, in partnership with 7News, surprised BetterALife with a generous Helping Hand donation of $2,200. Overwhelmed with gratitude, BetterALife’s president, Elizabeth Ford, expressed how these unexpected funds are changing lives in the community. For Ford, this mission is deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences growing up homeless and struggling to find sustenance.

At BetterALife, the focus extends beyond food provision; it’s about empowering individuals with essential life skills and educational support. Through their efforts, they’re transforming lives, one meal and one lesson at a time.

With the support of Easterns Automotive Group and 7News, BetterALife is better equipped to continue their vital work, ensuring that no child or individual in need is left behind. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger and hardship in our community.