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Budgeting for the Total Cost of Car Ownership and Maintenance?

FAQs
reviewing cost of new car purchase at easterns
Filing document. Shot of a handsome salesman filing documents with his happy clients at the dealership

Buying a car goes far beyond paying a simple sticker price. There’s a multitude of expenses to consider, from the costs that bolster the upfront price to the expenses that persist throughout vehicle ownership. Before making the decision to invest in a new car, it’s important to craft a strict budget plan and financing strategy to ensure you won’t endure financial stress and strain from owning a car.

Initial Costs

In addition to the price written down on the windshield, you’ll also have to factor into your upfront payment:

  • Registration fees
  • Title fees
  • Documentation fees
  • Down payment
  • Insurance costs
  • Sales tax, which is approximately six percent in D.C., Virginia and Maryland

Recurring Costs

Financing

While financing can help you save overall, it’s still an expense that includes monthly payments and interest. You should take into account your payment plan when planning your monthly budget. How much you spend each month will depend on your loan terms.

Shorter terms (three to four years) mean higher monthly payments but less interest paid overall. Longer terms (five to seven years) have lower monthly payments but higher total interest. Which will suit you better will depend on your goal – if you have a tight monthly budget, you may benefit from a longer loan. If you’re buying a car as a way to improve your credit score and you can afford a slightly higher monthly payment, a shorter loan term may be preferable.

Insurance

You can’t legally own a car in D.C., Virginia or Maryland without paying insurance. Moreover, how much you’ll pay on your premiums will be influenced by your choice of vehicle – everything from its make, model and year to whether it’s new or pre-owned will factor into your total. Get a quote from an insurance provider before buying a car to see how costly your premium will be.

Fuel

Your biggest recurring cost will be gas. The gas mileage of your vehicle and what fuel it requires (regular, premium or recharging rates if it’s an electric car) will play a major role in how much you pay for driving.

Roadside Assistance Membership

While not substantial, the cost of a roadside assistance membership – if it’s not included with your insurance policy or the initial car price – will add to your monthly total. While not required, many drivers feel better with guaranteed roadside assistance if something goes wrong.

Routine Maintenance

You also need to account for regular maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations and brake inspections, which will get more expensive the older the car becomes.

Parking

Especially if you live in a city, chances are you’ll be spending a significant amount a month paying for parking.

Emergency Costs

Not all costs can be predicted. Make sure you still have some room left over in your budget for the unexpected. From sudden repairs and replacements due to wear and tear or accidents to your car’s value depreciating with time, there’s always money to be lost.

How to Budget for a New Car

Do the math before you walk into a dealership. The total cost of ownership and maintenance should not exceed 15 to 20 percent of your monthly income. The general rule of thumb is 20/4/10: a down payment that’s 20 percent of the car’s price, a loan term of 4 years if you’re financing and a monthly car payment of no more than 10 percent of your gross monthly income.

While buying a new car won’t be ideal for budget-conscious car shoppers, buying the cheapest car will also pose problems and may cost you more in the long run. A well-maintained, thoroughly inspected pre-owned car likely won’t require expensive repairs in the first few years.

Easterns Automotive offers a vast inventory of pre-owned vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected and tested to ensure they are a high-quality, long-lasting investment. You can purchase a used car for far less than a new car and enjoy flexible financing plans. Our financing experts have a reputation for putting the needs of car buyers first and can work with everyone regardless of their credit score.

Discover Exceptional Used Cars, Trucks and SUVs for Sale in Baltimore and Washington D.C.

Call 888-650-4775 or visit one of our dealerships today to learn more about our certified pre-owned models and our personalized financing options.

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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Your Comprehensive EV Resource Center

Your one-stop destination for a wealth of resources on electric vehicles, from informative articles and industry news to expert guides on purchasing and maintaining EVs.

Choose EV: See how much you could save by switching to an EV!

This EV toolkit has fuel savings calculators and a carbon reduction calculator to help you understand the savings and benefits you’ll see when driving electric.

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Monitor your EV now, sell for a premium later.

Join a community of 20,000+ drivers who track their EV range and performance with Owner Insights from Recurrent.

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EV 101 Course

Learning how to be a successful EV owner can be intimidating. Many of the lessons that we learned from Drivers Education or from years of combustion engine vehicle ownership are different.

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A Better RoutePlanner: Optimizing Your EV Journey!

Your navigator for optimized electric vehicle journeys, offering precise route calculations tailored to your EV’s specifications and charging needs.

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Recurrent Research: Your Go-To Hub for EV Knowledge!

Dive into a wealth of insights and information on electric vehicles, from the latest industry updates to expert guides on purchasing and maintaining used EVs, all in one convenient location at Recurrent Research.

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Shop Our Electric Vehicles

The Estimated Total Cost to Own a Dodge Challenger

FAQs

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.

Are Mazdas Good Cars?

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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

Different Vehicle Makes

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

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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

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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

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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.