All posts by jon

A Brief History of Nissan

November 8, 2022Automakersjon

Loyal Nissan buyers or car shoppers just interested in learning more about this popular brand of vehicles may be curious about Nissan’s place in the auto market. Like many Japanese automakers, their history dates back many decades and is full of both industry successes and the occasional struggle.

The Origin of Nissan: 1928 -1958

Nissan originated in Japan and was founded by Yoshisuke Aikawa, who became president of Nihon Sangyo in 1928. Nihon Sangyo merged to become what is now known as Nissan Motor Company in 1931.

In 1933, Nihon Sangyo was officially added to the Tokyo Stock Exchange by its ticker name Nissan. Nissan then expanded into Australia, Mexico, and in 1958, America.

Expansion Into America: 1958 -1983

In the 1950s, Nissan began its global growth and expanded into the Australian and United States auto markets. In 1957, Nissan released the Skyline, which was nicknamed “Godzilla” for its sheer power on the racetrack. The first wave of performance-based cars started here, in large part thanks to Japanese innovation that combined efficiency with luxury.

Nissan was officially established in America as Datsun in 1958. The late fifties were filled with imported Datsun sedans and compact pickups that greatly influenced the American automotive market.

Notable sports car models imported to the US during this time included:

1961 Datsun Fairlady 1200 Roadster
1965 Datsun 320 Truck
1967 Nissan Patrol
1968 American Inspired

In 1973, Nissan sold its one-millionth vehicle in America, and by 1975 it had become the top US vehicle importer. The first American Nissan production facility opened in Smyrna, Tennessee in 1983, where the first American-built Nissan truck was born.

Evolution of Nissan Production: 1983 – Present

Nissan continued to develop and soon stood out amongst its competitors as a brand that balanced luxury and performance with functionality.

In 1985, the first American-built Sentra replaced the 1982 model and became so popular that it was fast-tracked to production in Smyrna.

In 1991, Nissan received an environmental award from the EPA and shifted into green technology with its Future Electric Vehicle concept car. The Environmental Protection Agency dubbed Nissan “Best of the Best” and the first Altima made its debut in the US.

Less than a decade later Nissan released the first four-door compact truck, the Frontier Crew Cab.

Nissan doubled its model options and sales thanks to a surge in state-side popularity in the early 2000s. Notable models released during this time included the:

2005 Frontier
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
2009 GT-R

Presently, Nissan continues to be a major player in the automotive market as we ascend into an electric vehicle-focused era. The Nissan Leaf debuted in 2010 followed by the Nissan Kicks Crossover in 2018, both of which prove innovation is in no short supply at the automaker.

In more recent years, Nissan has updated the Altima with a sedan body and all-wheel drive. This year, Nissan is releasing the Ariya, an all-electric crossover, to herald a greener future for the U.S. auto market.

Who Owns Nissan Today?

Nissan is currently owned by Groupe Renault and has been a part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance since 1999.

Where Are Nissan Vehicle’s Manufactured?

Nissan has international production centers in Japan and Mexico, as well as three manufacturing facilities based in America. The three US-based centers are in:

Smyrna, TN
Decherd, TN
Canton, MS

Is the Nissan Altima a Good Car?

The Nissan Altima is a good car to buy pre-owned because it can last up to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. It has low annual repair costs compared to similar-sized vehicles and newer models have exceptional fuel economy.

The Nissan Altima has a J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 85/100, making it a strong choice for those in the market for a mid-sized sedan.

What is the Nissan Skyline?

The Nissan Skyline originally entered the market as a luxury sedan and was built by Japan’s Prince Motor Company. The first Nissan Skyline was in production from 1957 to 1966 until Prince and Nissan merged, resulting in the transformation of the Skyline into a sports car.

Gone were the sedan builds, and in its place, the first performance-bred Skyline GT-R was released at the Tokyo Motor Show. Historically, the Nissan Skyline is predominantly known as the predecessor to the current GT-R.

Shop Nissan With Eastern Automotive Group

Eastern Automotive Group possesses a diverse inventory of pre-owned Nissan vehicles for DC, Maryland, and Virginia car shoppers. We work with all credit backgrounds to provide financing that works within nearly any budget.

Is the Ford Focus a Good Car?

November 8, 2022Different Vehicle Makesjon

The determination of whether a car is “good” will often be determined by performance, longevity, rating organizations and reviews from previous buyers. Good and bad are very subjective concepts. What’s good for one driver might not appeal to another motorist.

There are many loyal Ford Focus fans who passionately advocate for the model as a great car. What is it about the Ford Focus that makes it so popular among these consumers?

Like Any Vehicle Model, There Are Hits and Misses

Ford Focus models 2010, 2011 and 2018 are highly rated for their reliability and durability. Unfortunately, the models released from 2012 to 2013 fell short on their ratings. That doesn’t mean those were quantifiably bad vehicles, just that other Ford Focus years earned more praise.

Key Points About the Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a reliable vehicle that can, with proper maintenance, last up to 200,000 miles. They offer competitive fuel efficiency with an average of 30 MPG for city driving and 40 MPG for highway driving. For drivers who typically drive between 13,000 and 15,000 miles annually, a Ford Focus is a quality vehicle option. It’s particularly great for daily drivers making short to medium trips consistently.

Not every Ford Focus year was created equal. The 2012 to 2013 models suffered from persistent problems for some Ford Focus owners, including but not limited to:

Powershift transmission problems
Power steering failure
Premature engine failure

The highest rated years for a pre-owned Ford Focus are 2018, 2011 and 2010.

Best Ford Focus Years as Ranked by Value

Many Ford Focus owners are highly satisfied with the vehicle’s reliability, fuel economy and affordable upgrade options. Some of the Ford Focus years that earned consistent high ratings included:

2010

The 2010 Ford focus is the original third-generation model. It delivers on value, engine performance and overall affordability. It showcases solid fuel economy performance at 28 MPG.

2011

The 2011 Ford Focus has been subject to zero recalls and low levels of registered complaints. It is a reliable vehicle but there have been rare reports of battery drainage overnight and, in a handful of cases, brake failure. Overall, these issues were far from consistent occurrences, so the 2011 Ford Focus is high on our list of good Ford Focus years.

2018

The 2018 Ford Focus is the newest model on this list and comes with high-tech features like Bluetooth, a reverse camera and a touchscreen display on the base S trim. It’s a value buy for those who want a compact car with a sporty feel and a high-reliability rating.

Ford Focus Years to Avoid and Why

Not every Ford Focus model is created equal, with some suffering significant problems for daily drivers. On average, these issues faced drivers of model years prior to the vehicles reaching the 100,000-mile mark, cutting the expected life of a well-maintained Ford Focus nearly in half.

Here are the Ford Focus years pre-owned vehicle drivers may want to avoid:

2007 – Reports of premature alternator death

2008 – Faulty electrical systems and door handles not working properly were the most common complaints

2012 – Reports of steering wheel failure and consistent transmission issues

2013 – Transmission failure, plus jerking and steering wheel failure were reported in some vehicles before they hit the 100,000-mile mark

The 2012 to 2013 period was a rough time for up-and-coming Ford Focus models, with many facing consistent reports of transmission and steering wheel failure. These Ford Focus years were subject to one of the largest transmission recalls in history and have unfortunately earned their reputation as some of the worst Ford Focus models to date.

Shop With Easterns Automotive Group

At Easterns Automotive Group, we offer the best selection of pre-owned vehicles to the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas. We offer financing options tailored to your situation and will work with you to find a car that fits your needs.

Whether you’re after a dependable Ford Focus model or a flashy Charger, our team is ready to assist you during your decision-making process. If you’re in the market for a pre-owned vehicle, check out our inventory online or visit one of our eight locations today.

Helping Hands: Mind Wellness Foundation

November 2, 2022Community, UncategorizedCommunity, Helping Handsjon

An honorable non-profit focused on mental health is being founded by a couple in memory of their son. Reggie and Dedeen Vaughn’s son, Chris, was diagnosed with PTSD and suffered from mental health issues before taking his own life a year ago. Before his passing, his last words were “Listen to your strong friends.” People often appear to be strong and okay but really may be battling other struggles.

During this tragedy, they sought to create a foundation in honor of Chris, called the Mind and Wellness Foundation. It was created to help others with mental health issues but especially young people.

Joel Bassam joined virtually with a special message as 7 News and Easterns Automotive Group surprised the family with a Helping Hand.

“The Mind and Wellness Foundation is an incredible organization. Committing yourselves to eradicate the stigma around mental health and changing the narrative to help others after the loss your family has experienced is an amazing way to help others,” said Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group. “We want to support your cause by donating $2,000 to continue helping those in need.”

To learn more about the Mind & Wellness Foundation, click here.

Legacy Farms

October 25, 2022Uncategorizedjon

Lorie Young and Billie Jo Bevan are two Loudon County mothers that started Legacy Farms together to offer apprenticeship-style opportunities for the neurodiverse community. Both Lorie and Billie Jo’s sons are in the program, and they wanted to create a program where neurodiversity is celebrated and people understand their gifts and talents.

The program works with volunteers and paid physicians for those who may need it. They not only get to grow vegetables and flowers, but they also get to see their work sell.

“If you have ADHD, dyslexia, or different kinds of executive functioning delays, we support all of those young people ages 16 and up,” Bevan said.

For their outstanding contributions to the community, Eastern Automotive Group surprised Legacy Farms with a 7News Helping Hand. Joel Bassam joined with a special surprise for Kegacy Farms.

“I want to congratulate Legacy Farms on celebrating 10 years of working towards your mission of offering opportunities for our neurodiverse community of individuals looking to take their next steps in education,” Bassam said. “We want to donate $2,000 to your cause so you can continue sharing what you know and helping others grow.”

Pay It Forward: Fan DC

October 12, 2022Community, UncategorizedCommunityjon

FAN D.C. is an organization working to lessen the impact of the foster care system for children in our area. On this Pay It Forward with Fox 5, we had the opportunity to learn more about FAN D.C. from Executive Director Josphine Mayzck and program participants Aaliyah and Jaylah.

They provide youth in foster care opportunities to nurture their interests and talents, acquire new skills, and gain a sense of personal and group recognition in an atmosphere of hope. The name FAN has deep roots in the foundation of the organization and is an acronym for Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso which means Safe Places, Linked Hearts. Fihankra is a communal housing compound in the Akan culture of West Africa, meaning a “safe enclosure” or “safe house.” Akoma Ntoaso means “linked hearts,” and is a symbol of understanding and agreement. Sadly, many young people lack access to such safe environments., which is critical to their development. They recently took several children to learn about Vermont to learn about farming. The children shared that they love that is is a safe space for them that allows them to have fun.

Eastern Automotove Group heard of the amazing things they are doing to help children in the foster care system and wanted to contribute to their cause. We donated $2,000, so they can continue to impact the lives of others.

If you know someone who should be featured on Pay It Forward, you can nominate them at wttgpayitforward@fox.com. Don’t forget to include their name and why they deserve recognition in your email.

Helping Hands: Jill’s House

September 23, 2022CommunityCommunityjon

Jill’s House is a non-profit that provides short-term, overnight care to families raising children with intellectual disabilities in the DC metro area, and around the country. While their kids engage in fun activities tailored to their interests and abilities, parents receive 24-48 hours to rest and recharge.

“The first thing I felt when I walked in the door, complete peace, joy and serenity and absolute love and compassion, no judgment,” mom Holly Sorell said. As a military family, Holly and her family do not have relatives in the area to watch their children, including their son Jacob, who needs care 24/7. It is designed to look like a resort for those who visit, and because of Jill’s House families, like Holly’s, can get rest.

“For the vast majority of the of the parents, the families we serve, we think around 85percent of them have never had their child spend the night away from them,” Dana Hecht, vice president of Compliance and Family Support Services of Jill’s House.

“Jill’s House seems like an amazing organization helping renew and recharge the relationships between children’s intellectual disabilities and their families. I know firsthand what it’s like to have a family member with a disability and how much it means to the families who are part of your programs the way that you help them. We want to help you continue to do that by donating $2,000 to your cause so that you can continue to build these relationships and improve the lives who need it most. Continue to do the amazing work you’re doing,” Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group said.

“I have no words but thank you very, very much. There are so many families that this will bless. Thank you so much,” Sorell said, floored by the surprise donation.

How To Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member

September 21, 2022Uncategorizedjon

Whether you are gifting or selling a car to a family member, you must follow the necessary steps to ensure the vehicle’s title and ownership are transferred correctly. Some documents and fees may vary depending on whether you live in Maryland or Virginia, but the process is essentially the same.

Regardless of the state you are living in, you will need the right forms and paperwork to successfully transfer a vehicle’s title.

Personal documents including a government-issued ID and proof of valid insurance.
The original title certificate must have the “Assignment of Title By Owner” section completed with the necessary information regarding the seller and buyer.
An odometer statement if the title doesn’t allow space for the vehicle’s milage.
Proof of sale including a bill of sale and/or a Vehicle Price Certificate (SUT 1) if the car is over five years old.
A vehicle safety inspection must be conducted, and you must have a valid safety inspection certificate in hand. Proof of emissions may also be required.
A lien release form if the buyer is taking over a lien on the vehicle.

Can You Gift a Car to a Family Member?

Yes, both Maryland and Virginia allow family members to gift vehicles to one another. The process of transferring a title when the vehicle is considered a gift is similar to selling or purchasing a vehicle. Both parties must complete a vehicle title transfer at the DMV or MVA.

When filling out the title, it is important to write “0” or “GIFT” in the purchase price section anytime you are gifting a vehicle. The recipient may be responsible for paying some taxes on the vehicle, including what’s called “excise tax,” which is based on the vehicle’s purchase price, mileage and age.

You can often avoid paying excise tax if the giver and recipient meet the necessary relationship requirements identified in your state’s gift certificate form. In most cases, if both parties share a last name, the excise tax will not be charged. Check your local DMV or MVA for state-specific relationship requirements when gifting a vehicle.

How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Car Title?

Vehicle title transfer fees start at $15 or $100 depending on which state you are transferring the title in. It’s possible that additional fees may be charged. Visit your local DMV or MVA to learn about the costs involved with transferring a title.

The buyer or recipient will also need to pay vehicle registration fees. These costs vary by vehicle and the state where the vehicle is titled.

Can You Transfer Ownership Without a Title?

Ownership cannot be transferred to someone else without a title in hand. If the vehicle you are gifting, selling or buying doesn’t have a valid title, you will need to apply for a duplicate title. It can cost anywhere from $15 to $20 to request a duplicate title.

This does not exempt you from other title and registration fees. Once you receive the duplicate title in the mail, you will still be required to visit your local DMV or MVA and pay all applicable title transfer fees.

Do Car Dealerships Handle Title Transfers?

When purchasing a new or used car from a licensed dealer like Easterns Automotive, the buyer doesn’t have to worry about filing the title and registration paperwork. The dealer should accept and submit all documentation to the DMV or MVA on behalf of the buyer.

If you are transferring ownership of a vehicle you currently own, you will need to work directly with your local DMV or MVA office to complete the title transfer.

Licensed Used Car Dealership in Maryland and Virginia

Have you recently sold or gifted your vehicle? Get a great price or your next vehicle at Easterns. We have an extensive inventory of pre-owned vehicles to choose from and buyer-friendly financing — no matter your credit background.

Give us a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our eight locations in DC, Maryland or Virginia to learn more.

Is It Possible to Sell a Car Without a Title?

September 21, 2022FAQsjon

While it is illegal to sell a car without proof of ownership in most jurisdictions, there are legal ways to sell a car even if you don’t physically have (or can’t find) the title. States that have an Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) Program like Maryland and Virginia will allow you to trade in a car without a title. This is because dealerships have access to the ELT database so they can confirm and transfer vehicle ownership seamlessly.

If you are conducting a private sale, you are required to have the vehicle’s title in hand or you may request a duplicate if your title was lost, stolen or damaged. Prior to selling, be sure to request your new or duplicate title several weeks before, as titles can take time to process. You must request the duplicate title from the state the vehicle is registered in. Once you receive the duplicate title, it will void the original.

When selling a vehicle that is financed or has a lien on it, you will need to reach out to the lender directly. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure the sale and title transfer goes smoothly.

Why Does Your Vehicle Need a Title?

When you purchase a new or used car, you are provided legal proof of ownership (A.K.A. the title). If you are financing or leasing a car, you will likely never see the physical title unless you purchase the vehicle outright.

Titles can vary state by state but generally they list the following information about the vehicle:

Vehicle’s make, model, color, body style and manufacturing year
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Mileage at the time of the purchase
License plate number
Buyer’s name, address and issue date

What Are the Types of Car Titles?

Over a car’s lifetime, the title can change depending on the vehicle’s condition. Some of the most common types of titles are:

Clear – The most desirable car title available and the only one that lenders will approve for a car loan.
Salvage – This title is issued to a car that has seen a significant decrease in value due to a crash, theft or subsequent repairs.
Rebuilt/reconstructed – The insurance company or body shop where the rebuild took place will issue this title after an inspection deems it safe to drive in public.
Bonded – A vehicle with missing ownership documents will be given this title. It’s valid for three to five years and protects the new owner from potential ownership disputes.

Are Some Car Sales Exempt from Title Requirements?

Under certain conditions, you may not always need a vehicle’s title in order to sell it. Of course, it depends on the rules and regulations of your jurisdiction, but in special circumstances, you can sell a car without a title.

A standardized bill of sale form may suffice for proof of ownership if the vehicle is more than 15 to 25 years old. In states that don’t require a standardized form, any bill of sale template should suffice.
A transfer of ownership without a title may be a feasible option in some states that allow it. The buyer would then need to obtain a title for the vehicle. Additional documentation may be required.
Selling to an out-of-state buyer without a title can be difficult if your state has deemed the car exempt. You or the buyer should confirm the other state’s rules and regulations. You may need to provide the buyer with a copy of the vehicle’s registration in your state.

Sell Your Car to Easterns Automotive

If you live in the DC, Maryland or Virginia areas, Easterns Automotive is here to help you sell your car. As one of the leading pre-owned dealerships around, we pride ourselves on creating a stress-free environment that takes the pressure off car sellers.

We understand that getting a car ready to sell can be an overwhelming task. At Easterns, you don’t have to worry about meeting potential buyers for test drives or handling the paperwork when finalizing the sale. We take care of the logistics for you so you can focus on finding your next vehicle.

Our diverse pre-owned inventory makes it easy to find the car you want. Learn more about our trade-in offers and how we can help by calling us at 877-867-0641.

How To Sell a Car With a Loan

September 21, 2022FAQsjon

selling used car after taking out a loan to purchase

It’s not uncommon to sell a car with an existing loan, especially if your situation changes two or three years into a five- or six-year loan. Car buyers in DC, Maryland and Virginia often look to sell their vehicles after a big life change such as getting married or starting a family. Simply put, if you have a loan on your car, it doesn’t mean you’re necessarily stuck with the vehicle until you pay it off.

You can sell a financed vehicle in one of four ways:

Pay off the loan in full
Sell the vehicle to a private buyer
Sell the vehicle to a dealership
Trade the vehicle in at a used car dealership

Some of those options require more work than others. For example, if you want to sell your vehicle to a private buyer, you’ll generally need to pay off the loan first. If you’re willing to sell or trade-in your vehicle to a dealer, they can deal with the logistical hassles of getting rid of the loan for you.

Whether you’re looking for a dealership trade-in or to sell the car outright, there are a few steps to consider before selling a financed vehicle.

Ask Your Lender for the Payoff Amount

Before you can sell any car with a loan, check with the lender you financed through and ask about the selling process. If you are still making payments on your loan, the lender has possession of the title and ownership of the vehicle until the loan is paid off and the title is transferred. These two things must take place before a financed vehicle can be sold.

The “payoff amount” is how much it will cost to own your car outright. This number will include the loan balance and interest along with any other financing fees or prepayment penalties. When you ask your lender for the payoff amount, they are required to provide you with an offer that’s valid for 10 days.

In addition to requesting the payoff amount, you can discuss next steps with your lender before deciding which route you’d like to take.

Do Your Research to Know Your Car’s Worth

Anytime you go to sell or trade-in a vehicle, make sure you know its value. The used car climate is constantly changing, so having an estimate of your car’s worth can be helpful when it’s time to sell. Keep in mind that your car’s value may change depending on how you plan to sell it (i.e., private or dealer).

If you don‘t have one already, you can get a quote on a number of vehicle valuation sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. Be sure to have your car’s make, model, mileage and VIN number ready for the most accurate quote.

At Easterns Automotive Group we pride ourselves on providing fast and accurate quotes to customers. You can get a solid purchase offer from our team in a matter of hours.

Determine Your Equity

Once you have the payoff amount and the value of your financed vehicle, you can then calculate your equity. You can do this by subtracting the payoff amount from the car’s estimated value. The remaining value is your current equity.

A quick way to tell if you have positive or negative equity is by your car’s value. If the value of your vehicle is higher than your loan payoff amount, then you have positive equity. If the payoff amount is higher than your car’s worth, then you are “upside down” on your loan — meaning you have negative equity.

You can still sell your vehicle even if you have negative equity. Car sellers have two options in this scenario: you can sell the vehicle and pay off the remainder of the loan out of pocket or you can roll the remainder of your loan (minus what you got for selling your car) into your next auto loan.

Easterns Automotive can help you get a great pre-owned vehicle, even if you have negative equity in your current car.

Selling Privately Versus Selling or Trading at a Dealership

When you’re ready to sell your financed vehicle, you will need to decide if you’d rather sell to a private buyer or to a dealership. This is when it’s important to consider things like the ease of transaction, final purchase price, your credit score, etc.

Selling to a private buyer used to be the preferred way to sell a used vehicle because sellers would typically get closer to their asking price. Now, because of recent shortages of new and used cars on the market, that may not always be the case. Dealerships are eager to buy used cars at great prices to maintain their inventory.

While it’s possible to still get more for your vehicle through a private buyer, there is a lot more work required on your end to complete the transaction. This is where a used car dealership can step in and help you obtain your payoff quote, make all final payments, and take care of the title for you. This is a great route if you’re looking to upgrade your current vehicle by trading it in for a newer model.

Find a Trusted Used Car Dealer in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Easterns Automotive is committed to helping our customers sell and finance their used car purchases quickly and efficiently. We are committed to guiding local car sellers through the selling process to ensure an easy, stress-free experience.

We also offer competitive pricing for used vehicle trade-ins and great financing options — no matter your credit history.

Browse our inventory of used vehicles in the Baltimore and DC areas or visit one of our dealership locations to find out how Easterns can help you sell your used car today.

Pay It Forward: Black Girls Rockville

September 15, 2022CommunityCommunityjon

Lacy Fields is the owner of Therapeutique Salon and Spa in Rockville, but she also created a foundation called Black Girls Rockville that works to give back to the community.

Black Girls Rockville hosts an event called Breakfast and Haircuts, where they provide styling services to those experiencing homelessness. At the last event, they served 66 people. One of her clients, owner of Stevens Transportation Group, loved the work that Black Girls Rockville is doing and volunteered to provide transportation for those in need to the salon.

Therapeutique Salon’s master stylist, Mackenzie Dehaut, shared how much joy it brought her to see their eyes light up and make them feel like they matter.

Amazed by the work they are doing in their community, we wanted to Pay It Forward with a special surprise. Lacy was exstatic and burst into tears when she received a check for $2000