All posts by jon

Redskins Rides ? Jim gives Chris Thompson a tour of his awesome 1956 Chevy Bel Air

A new week means we?re back to bring you a new edition of Redskins Rides presented by Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) and the Washington Redskins. Last night the Redskins won their game over the Seahawks so of course everyone in the DMV metro area is very excited. Among those that were ecstatic was Jim, a lifelong Redskins fan. Jim met up with Chris Thompson of the Redskins at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia to discuss his very own Redskins Ride. Jim is the proud owner of a 1956 Chevy Bel Air (hard top edition). Shortly after Jim purchased the vehicle, he got it painted a custom burgundy metallic color with gold flakes in the paint. When the sun hits the paint it makes the car look so magnificent. We?ve been asking around to see if anyone has seen a Bel Air quite like Jim?s but so far the unanimous answer has been no. There are even Redskins flags on top of both windows that wave in the wind while the car is in motion. This entire project of customizing the car and making it personal has been a labor of love for Jim. It has become something that he thoroughly enjoys doing. He informed us that he has been a Redskins season ticket holder since 1967. Wow! There is no denying that Jim is a diehard Skins fan. Awesome ride! We want to thank him for giving is an exclusive look at his custom ride. Stay tuned for many more Redskins Rides in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community.

Redskins Rides ? Daniel and Jesse show off both of their 1963 Chevy Impalas at Redskins Park

Hello, beautiful people! This week, we have doubled the fun for you all. Of course that means we have another edition of Redskins Rides but we have two amazing rides this time. We recently met with both Daniel and Jesse at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia to see their awesome cars. They both own a 1963 Chevy Impala but they are both different from each other yet unique in their own way. Daniel purchased his 1963 Impala convertible back in 2005 and is a member of Individuals Car Club of Woodbridge, Virginia. He found the car in Ontario, Canada and brought it to the DMV area where he has been working on it ever since. The teal metallic paint job with the custom paint designs definitely separates this Impala from the rest. The part of this Impala that really makes it stand on its own is the custom aircraft hydraulic system that Daniel had installed in the trunk.

Jesse has owned his fire engine red Chevy Impala for about 12 years. The car caught on fire last year causing him to have to re-do the entire vehicle all over again. Like Daniel, his Redskins Ride also has a hydraulic system. He discussed the excitement that people have when they see the car on hydraulics. Most people have only seen hydraulics on television so it?s definitely quite amazing to see in person. Originally, Jesse?s plan was just to have the car painted plain red. The painter showed Jesse some custom paint panels that he just couldn?t decline. It all worked out in the end because you definitely won?t see another Impala like it. Amazing rides, fellas! We want to thank this gentleman for giving us an exclusive look at their rides. Stay tuned for many more Redskins Rides in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community.


Pay It Forward: Easterns and Fox 5 help hairstylist to continue providing free haircuts to homeless

As the holiday season approaches, the importance of giving back and helping others is so very important. Although it?s important to give back year round, people sometimes need that extra boost during the colder months to overcome any obstacles that they are facing. Pay It Forward partners Easterns and Fox 5 DC have come together once again to help someone who is doing generous and amazing deeds in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community. For this edition of Pay It Forward, the two selected hair stylist, Laura Faehner Reed. Reed provides free haircuts to the homeless of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Reed has been busy helping out in her very own community for quite some time. The original reason that she started providing free haircuts was to boost the confidence of the homeless and provide a stepping stone to help them get on their feet. ?Some of them have job interviews and some of them already have jobs and just can?t afford haircuts.? Reed told Fox 5. It?s very important to let these people know that they haven?t been forgotten. Many people that are homeless don?t want to be there they are but have no choice at the moment. Some people have just simply made bad decisions but want to turn their life around, be happy, and prosper on to bigger and better things. Reed has a tremendous impact on those that she does help. The level of compassion she shows is remarkable because she knows that being homeless could happen to herself or anyone.

When Reed is not volunteering her time and talent, she is hard at work at 4&Co Salon in Rockville, Maryland and Ricks Chop Shop in Mount Airy, Maryland. She asks her clients for small donations as well as products to help her provide the free haircuts and shaves. Easterns and Fox 5 DC were blown away by her selflessness and her amazing generosity to the community. The two teamed up to help Pay It Forward by providing Reed with a bulk supply of non-perishable foods, $500 in gift cards for supplies, a towel steamer, as well as a gift certificate for personal spa day. It will be great for Reed to treat herself since she is always treating others. Click here to follow Reed on social media to keep up with her amazing efforts. Click here to donate to her Go Fund Me page as she?s currently collecting money to purchase winter clothes for the homeless.

Easterns Automotive Group has partnered with FOX 5 DC to help honor people in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community who go above and beyond the call. If you know someone worthy if being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

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John shows off his 2016 Subaru WRX to Chris Thompson of the Washington Football Team

We?re back this week to bring you the latest edition of Redskins Rides presented by Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) and the Washington Redskins. Chris Thompson of the Redskins was recruited to speak to Maryland resident, John regarding his custom Redskins Ride. John is the proud owner of a custom 2016 Subaru WRX. Everything on the car is custom, which makes it very unique. The reason that John made modifications to his WRX is because he wanted a car that would be perfect for off-roading, drag racing, and of course every day use. The custom paint job on his WRX definitely has a burgundy/red undertone that is reminiscent of colors of the Redskins jersey. The racing seats definitely give the car that Need for Speed and Fast and Furious feeling. John told Thompson that one of his favorite customizations on this car is the custom Maryland flag mud flaps. It?s very apparent that John takes a lot of pride in being a Maryland resident. People ask him all the time how fast his car can go but he prefers for them to see for themselves out on the track. You definitely can?t go wrong when combining amazing cars with the Washington Redskins. Incredible Subaru, John! We want to thank this gentleman for giving us an exclusive look at his ride. Stay tuned for many more Redskins Rides in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community.

John shows off his 1967 Corvette Stingray to Dustin Hopkins of the Washington Football Team

Another week means another segment of Redskins Rides! The Redskins Rides series was created by the Washington Redskins and Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors). The goal and purpose of Redskins Rides is to give fans an opportunity and a platform to show off their amazing vehicles people all over the world. For this week?s segment, Dustin Hopkins of the Washington Redskins was recruited by Easterns to conduct the interview. Hopkins met up with John at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia to discuss his Redskins Ride. John is the proud owner of a 1967 Corvette Stingray that he?s had for the last 5 years. The new custom metallic sky blue paint job is what really sets it off and makes it stand out amongst other Corvettes. He purchased the car during a time when he was looking for a project to work on. John knew the car needed work but that?s what excited him because he knew that he would be able to get the job done. When Hopkins asked John about his attendance at car shows, he made it be known that car shows really aren?t his cup of tea. This opportunity caught his attention because he is an avid Redskins fan. You definitely can?t go wrong when combining amazing cars with the Washington Redskins. Great ride, John! We want to thank this gentleman for giving us an exclusive look at his ride. Stay tuned for many more Redskins Rides in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community.

Dr. Hardnett shows off his 2013 Ferrari 458 Spider to Dustin Hopkins of the Washington Football Team

It?s week 7 of the Redskins Rides segment presented by the Washington Redskins along with Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors). For this segment, Easterns recruited Dustin Hopkins who is a placebacker for the Redskins. Hopkins? drive both on and off the field made him a perfect fit for the role. The special candidate for this edition of Redskins Rides is Dr. Hardnett, the owner of Effective Integrative Healthcare in Maryland. Hopkins met up with Dr. Hardnett at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia. Dr. Hardnett is the proud owner of a white 2013 Ferrari 458 Spider with bronze colored wheels and a beautiful burgundy interior is identical to the Redskins color. He traded in his Bentley Continental GT Coupe that was formerly owned by the late, great Sean Taylor. Dr. Hardnett also got rid of his original dream car which is the Nissan GTR in order to get the amazing Ferrari 458 that he owns today. This is truly a Redskins Ride because the color of the interior is identical to the color of the Redskins jerseys. Dr. Hardnett has clearly been a Redskins fan for years and it?s quite evident by not only his knowledge of cars but his attire while he?s on the field with Hopkins. You will definitely double take when you see this quick Ferrari speeding by. We would like to thank Dr. Hardnett for not only his time but for showing off and sharing his amazing vehicle with us. It?s amazing to meet our supports and give them an opportunity as well as a platform to showcase their amazing vehicles. Stay tuned for more Redskins Rides!

Bill and Debbie show off their 1920?s Ford Model T Speedster to Chris Thompson of the Washington Football Team

We?re back again for week 6 of the Redskins Rides segment presented by Easterns Automotive Group along with the Washington Redskins. This week?s segment was conducted by Chris Thompson who a running back for the Redskins. He had the pleasure of speaking with Bill and Debbie who own a 1923 Ford Model T Speedster. Anyone that knows anything about cars knows how special and significant that the Model T is to the automotive world. The Ford Model T was named the most influential car of the 29th century in the 1999 Car of the Century competition. Bill and Debbie have a cream colored Model T that is in immaculate condition. The car only has three pedals for going forward, reverse, and breaking. It is gravity fed meaning that pressure riser only has to be used going up a hill. The pressure riser is what forces the fuel to the carburetor. These two have such a unique vehicle because it definitely is something that you don?t see on the road every day. It fits the definition of an antique car perfectly and will definitely make you turn your head when you see it. We would like to thank both Bill and Debbie for sharing their special ride with us. Please stay tuned for more Redskins Rides!

Buying New vs Used Car | Buy New or Used Vehicle

Compare Buying New Car and Buying Used Car

Buying a New vs. Used Car

People from all across the world share the same struggle when it comes to deciding to buy a new or used car. Everyone has their own reason and opinion as to which option is better for their situation. While both options have pros and cons, the choice itself is really subjective. It really depends on that particular person?s finances and what exactly they are looking to get out of a vehicle. The best choices are made when you weigh out the pros and cans to see which option will accommodate your lifestyle.

Depreciation is the Name of the Game

Purchasing a used car is clearly the cheaper option but there are also advantages to buying used. When you purchase a used car, your insurance rate is going to be cheaper. According to Nerd Wallet, this is because a vehicle costs less to insure when it is worth less. The prices of used cars are tremendously lower than buying new due to depreciation. For example, you may be able to buy a used Mercedes-Benz for the price of a brand new Chrysler. It really depends on what you want as a customer. Many times people say that used cars aren?t reliable that is the furthest thing from the truth. Reliability of a used car truly depends on the mileage and how well the last owner took care of the vehicle. Cars these days typically reach over 100,000 miles before needing major repairs. The major factor is the basic maintenance such as oil changes, brakes, and tire rotation. These visits are good because mechanics can also check for other issues and to see if anything strikes them as alarming. Think of an oil change as a check-up at the doctor. It?s needed to make sure everything is running smoothly. A major disadvantage to buying used is that there is usually no warranty due to the factory warranty running out. This means that any and all repairs are on you as a customer. It is recommended to get any used car checked out by a mechanic before purchasing. Mechanics will check overall vehicle condition and look for potential problems that could cost you in the long run.

In the perfect world, everyone wants to purchase a brand new car. There are several advantages to buying new such as the latest technology and safety features. Technology is changing so fast that a car even 1 or 2 years old won?t have the same features as a brand new car. Car manufactures also constantly try to improve the fuel efficiency in their vehicles. The same vehicle may now have 10 more miles per gallon than it did in the previous years. Fuel efficiency is important because customers want to save money at the pump. There is a peace of mind that customers have knowing that their new vehicle doesn?t have any wear and tear or prior unresolved issues. New vehicles come standard with a factory warranty which covers at least the first three years or 36,000 miles. U.S. News made a great point in that buying a new car is easier than buying used. This is very true because any dealership is bound to have an entire inventory of new cars with different models and colors for all different price ranges. People love having the most options possible. Car manufactures are quite aware of this and always advertise finance and lease deals and incentives new vehicles. These are deals that won?t be found on a used vehicle.

Many customers decision to purchase new or used falls somewhere in between the two. At Easterns Automotive Group, we understand the needs of our customers. Easterns has 5 locations and has served the Maryland, DC, and Virginia communities for over 30 years and has sold over 100,000 certified used vehicles. These cars are relatively new cars with low mileage that have been handpicked by professionals. Every Easterns vehicle has passed a rigorous multi-point certification check so you can buy with confidence. Our vast inventory includes over 1000 cars with clean CarFax reports and one owner vehicles. Customers can experience the feel of a newer car without exactly paying the price of a brand new car. We have a friendly customer care staff that handles any pre or post sales questions that you may have, and that is why Easterns has over a 97% approval rating. You can get pre approved for finance right from your own home. We invite you to come into an Easterns store, call, or chat online today and experience firsthand what we mean by the Easterns difference!

Lease or Buy a Car | Leasing VS Buying

Lease or Buy a Car | Leasing VS Buying

When purchasing a used car, a customer is given two options in terms of financing the vehicle. Car dealers give people the option to either lease or buy the vehicle. The outcome for both is the same in the sense that the customer will still get to drive a brand new car. However, buying and leasing in itself are the total opposite of each other. Most people have their own personal reasons as to why they choose to buy or lease.

What is a Lease?

When you lease a vehicle, you only end up paying a portion of the vehicle?s total cost. That ?portion? is the difference between the selling price of the vehicle and the residual value of the car. The residual value is the estimated value of vehicle at the end of term of the lease and is set by the lender. It?s very similar to renting a car but instead you can select a lease term that works for you. The lease term is the number of months that the car will be driven. Lease terms start at 24 months and can go all the way up to 84 months. According to Consumer Reports, there are a variety of up-front costs associated with leasing a vehicle including various fees, security deposit, and a down payment. Most people that choose to lease do it because there is typically a lower monthly payment than buying a vehicle. The longer terms come with a higher interest rate but the money is stretched out over a longer period of time which makes the payments cheaper. A newly leased vehicle typically comes with a full warranty as well as free maintenance during the term. A huge factor when considering leasing is how much driving you are doing. Leasing is definitely not for the person that drives long distances each and every day. This is because there are mileage limits when in a lease. Car dealers give people a limit between 10,000-15,000 miles to drive per year. There are fees associated when going over the mileage limit. Car dealers give customers a chance to finance the balance of the current vehicle, pay for it cash, or lease/buy something new. Leased cars are most always in stable condition because customers are aware that they will be responsible for any excessive wear and tear on the vehicle.

Should I Buy My Next Car?

There are definitely more factors to think about when it comes to buying a vehicle. When you buy a vehicle, it is yours as long as you make the monthly payments. People love the freedom of buying because not only do you own the vehicle for life but you can sell or trade in at any given time with out fees. However, a car?s value depreciates at a different rate than the total amout of the loan paid off, this what the car business refers to as an Equity position. A buyer can be in a positive equity position, meaning the amount the vehicle is worth is greater than the amount owed on the loan of a vehicle, or a negative equity position, meaning the amount owed on the vehicle is greater than the vehicle is worth. The best way to get out of negative equiy position is to continue making payments on the loan. It?s important to keep your vehicle in the best possible condition to maximize the selling price. Unlike a lease, there are no rules and regulations when it comes to vehicle mileage. A vehicle with higher mileage has a lower resale price so you may want to think twice about those long distance rides. A new car typically has a factory warranty for the first few years. Once it expires, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for all repair costs.

It really comes down to a person?s financial situation and how much they can and are willing to spend. When you lease, you are always going to have a monthly payment on a car that you don?t even own. The plus side is that you will always be in a new vehicle and won?t have to worry about the costs of maintenance and repairs. When you buy, your monthly payments will be higher but the car will be yours if you plan to pay it off. Most people enjoy having the freedom of owning a vehicle and being able to do what they want with it after it is paid off. Ultimately, it depends on someone?s priorities and their goals financially.

Why Easterns?

Easterns offers both purchasing and leasing and you can buy or lease with confidence. Easterns Automotive Group has served the Maryland, DC, and Virginia communities for over 30 years and has sold over 100,000 certified used vehicles. Easterns has 5 convenient locations around the DMV area, and every Easterns vehicle has passed a rigorous multi-point certification check so you can buy with confidence. Search our vast inventory of over 1000 cars filled with clean CarFax reports and one owner vehicles. Our friendly customer care staff handles any pre or post sale questions you may have, and that is why Easterns has over a 97% customer approval rating. We invite you to come into an Easterns store, call, or chat online today and experience firsthand what we mean by the Easterns difference! Check out our inventory, see our locations and submit a finance application from home that only takes a few minutes!

Andrew, Mary, and Kris off their Batman-themed Chevy Camero and Harley-Davidson Sportster to Ryan Kerrigan of the Washington Football Team

Hello, beautiful people! We?ve come to deliver a brand new Redskins Rides segment presented by Easterns Automotive Group along with the Washington Redskins. This week?s segment is different than the others in that we have not just one ride but two. Ryan Kerrigan of the Washington Redskins met up with Andrew and his Bat Ladies (Mary & Kris) at Redskins Park to discuss his custom Batman-themed rides. Andrew has loved Batman since him and his wife got married over 40 years ago and he carried her around the house in a Batman costume. His love for Batman led to him and his sons opening a business called Batman Handyman Service in Loudoun County, Virginia. The women with Andrew in the video are his secretaries, Mary and Kris. These two are known as the Bat Ladies whenever they accompany Andrew. The Chevy Camaro ZL1 is complete with a 6.2L V8 engine and 650 horsepower. This ride is murdered out with a custom black paint job with burgundy accents, black wheels, and super dark tint. If there is any car that resembles the Batmobile, this is the one. The small details are what really make this car special such as the Batman art work, Batman logo headrest, and the memorabilia. Andrew also owns a custom Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle that he calls his ?Batbike?. It is all black just like the Camaro with a splash of burgundy trim. Andrew even has a Batman helmet. It doesn?t get any more awesome than that! We would like to thank Andrew for sharing not only his two Redskins Rides with us but also his love for Batman. Stay tuned for more Redskins Rides!