Monthly Archives: May 2024

Giving a Lift: Police and Sneaks

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At Easterns Automotive Group, we are committed to giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives. Recently, we had the pleasure of contributing to an inspiring nonprofit organization in Baltimore called Police and Sneaks.

Police and Sneaks was founded by Detective Jahlik Mathis, who was inspired by his own childhood experiences and a touching encounter during a police call. Growing up, Detective Mathis often wore hand-me-down shoes from his older siblings, which made him the target of teasing and bullying. This personal experience stuck with him, and years later, a similar situation reignited his resolve to help.

While on a police call, Detective Mathis met a young boy who was reluctant to attend school because he was being bullied over his worn-out sneakers. This encounter, along with a message from the boy’s mother on Instagram, motivated Detective Mathis to take action. He decided to purchase a new pair of shoes for a child in need every time he received his paycheck. His dedication quickly grew, and he now donates between 8 to 10 pairs of sneakers every month.

Detective Mathis’ efforts through Police and Sneaks have had a profound emotional impact on the children who receive these new sneakers. The joy and surprise on their faces are a testament to how a simple act of kindness can change lives and foster better relationships between the police and the community.

In recognition of his heartfelt work and to support his mission, Easterns Automotive Group teamed up with Fox45’s “Giving a Lift” segment to surprise Detective Mathis with a $2,200 donation. This contribution will enable him to continue spreading joy and providing new sneakers to more children in need.

We are incredibly proud to support Police and Sneaks and look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of Detective Mathis’ efforts in the Baltimore community.

Pay It Forward: Cards For Hospitalized Kids

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In a world where small gestures can make the biggest difference, Cards for Hospitalized Kids stands as a beacon of hope, joy, and magic for children battling illness in hospitals across America. Founded by Jen Rubino, this nonprofit initiative began from a deeply personal experience during her high school years.

As a teenager facing over 20 surgeries, Jen herself received handmade cards that brought comfort and solace during challenging times. Touched by this act of kindness, she felt compelled to pay it forward and bring the same joy to other children facing similar struggles.

The journey of Cards for Hospitalized Kids officially began in 2011 when Jen recognized the profound impact a simple card could have on brightening a child’s day amidst the sterile environment of a hospital room. Starting as a middle school project, this initiative has continued to thrive, with Jen now managing it while pursuing her college education.

What sets Cards for Hospitalized Kids apart is its community-driven approach. With an army of students from George Washington University and volunteers from across the DMV area, countless handmade cards are created to uplift the spirits of hospitalized children. Even celebrities like Andy Cohen have lent their support, sending cards to children in need.

Recently, Easterns Automotive Group had the honor of recognizing Jen’s remarkable dedication and impact on the community by surprising her with a generous check of $2200. This gesture of appreciation is a testament to Jen’s unwavering commitment and the positive ripple effect her initiative has created.

In a world where kindness knows no bounds, Cards for Hospitalized Kids continues to spread hope and joy, one handmade card at a time.

Electric Vehicle Resource Center

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The Estimated Total Cost to Own a Dodge Challenger

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The Dodge Challenger is an American muscle car that captures the spirit of high-performance driving with its powerful engines and bold design. If you’re someone who is thinking about purchasing this iconic vehicle, it’s a good idea to research the full scope of ownership costs. Ancillary expenses like insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs and depreciation play a role in the ultimate cost as well as the long-term value of your Dodge Challenger purchase.

Initial Purchase Price of the Dodge Challenger

For a muscle car, the Dodge Challenger is surprisingly affordable, with a starting MSRP for a new Dodge Challenger of about $33,000. The higher-performance trims that offer the larger V8s are much more expensive, with purchase prices exceeding $70,000.

Insurance Costs

Insurance costs for a Dodge Challenger can vary widely. Younger drivers or those with a history of traffic violations typically pay higher premiums due to the increased risk they represent. Location is another crucial factor, as urban areas like Baltimore and Washington D.C. often have higher rates because of the greater likelihood of accidents and theft.

The specific model and trim of the Challenger also impact the insurance cost, with higher-performance models generally costing more to insure due to their increased power, higher replacement costs and the greater likelihood of drivers making use of the extra power to speed or drive recklessly. It’s not uncommon for drivers to pay between $1,200 and $2,000 in insurance premiums every year, or between $6,000 and $10,000 over five years.

Fuel Costs

The Dodge Challenger, particularly the V8 models, is not known for fuel efficiency. As with most vehicles, there’s a tradeoff between exhilarating performance and fuel costs.

  • Average Annual Mileage: 12,000 miles
  • Average Fuel Price: $3.50 per gallon
  • Fuel Economy: 16 MPG (city) / 25 MPG (highway) for the Challenger R/T

The average Dodge Challenger driver uses about 585 gallons of fuel a year. At $3.50 a gallon, that’s about $2,050 annually, or $10,250 over five years. Fuel prices do vary dramatically from place to place, month to month and year to year. The actual price you’ll pay for fuel every year will vary based on the price and how much you drive.

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintaining a high-performance car like the Dodge Challenger can be expensive, especially as the vehicle ages. Dodge offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, but costs can rise after these periods.

  • Average Annual Maintenance Cost: $800 – $1,200
  • Average Annual Repair Cost: $300 – $500 (post-warranty)

Maintenance and Repair Cost Calculation:

  • First Three Years: $1,000 per year (maintenance) = $3,000
  • Years Four and Five: $1,000 (maintenance) + $400 (repairs) per year = $2,800
  • Total Maintenance and Repair Costs Over Five Years: $5,800 – $7,000

Depreciation

Depreciation means what you paid for a new Dodge Challenger is not the price you can get if you chose to sell it after five years. Challengers actually are slightly more resilient, often losing only about 12 percent of their value in the first year and only about 30 percent after five years. This is a stark contrast to the average vehicle that depreciates about 20 percent in its first year and up to 50 percent by five years.

Benefits of Buying a Pre-Owned Dodge Challenger at Easterns Automotive

If you’re considering buying a Dodge Challenger, opting for a pre-owned vehicle from Easterns Automotive Group can offer several advantages over buying a new one. Not every pre-owned Dodge Challenger is equal, and there’s a big difference between a thoroughly inspected and well-maintained Challenger and a hard-driven Challenger that wasn’t properly cared for. When you buy from Easterns Automotive, you’re getting: 

  • Quality Assurance: All pre-owned vehicles undergo rigorous inspections to ensure they meet high-quality standards.
  • Lower Prices: Pre-owned vehicles generally have a lower purchase price, offering excellent value.
  • Wide Selection: With a variety of trims and model years available, buyers can find the perfect Challenger to fit their budget and preferences.
  • Exclusive Policies: Enjoy a seven-day return policy and a 30-day/1,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind.

We Believe in High-Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles at Easterns Automotive

If you’re in the market for a pre-owned Dodge Challenger in Virginia, Maryland or Washington D.C., Easterns Automotive has got you covered. We believe that your job is your credit, making financing a pre-owned car accessible for everyone.

Browse our online inventory or give us a call at (877) 927-5004 to start shopping for your Dodge Challenger today.