Pay It Forward – Soles4Souls

Community, Uncategorized

Chris Cabrera has a sustainability line called Naturally London.
It is a botanical-based award-winning foot and hair care line that focuses on transparency and sustainability. This pairs perfectly with the mission of Souls4Soles because they keep shoes out of landfills and provide resources for others around the world.

Sometimes we have more shoes than we need, and somewhere there are others with no shoes at all. There is an organization that changes that. Soles4Souls works with various locations so that people in the community can drop off shoes for those in need. After making sure the shoes are good quality they ship them out.

Easterns Automotive Group heard of the amazing things that Soles4Souls was doing and wanted to help with this awesome mission. We surprised them with $500 worth of shoes and purchased $1,500 worth of foot soap for first responders and hospital staff! Completely speeches you could see the joy in Chris’s face as she accepted the check. She was honored that Naturally London would have the opportunity to help support our everyday heroes.

Will Fancy Tech Make New Cars More Expensive and Difficult to Repair?

FAQs

In some ways yes – fancy gadgets require more specialized parts and training to fix. In the not-so-distant past vehicles were primarily analog in nature. The dashboard dials had more in common with clockwork than computers. That’s all changed in the past decade, and although the advanced sensors and diagnostic suites have made cars safer, they’ve also made them a little more complicated to maintain and repair.

Maybe the most obvious example are Tesla vehicles. They’ve essentially done away with anything that could potentially be considered analog. Nearly every feature in a Tesla vehicle is controlled through digital displays and computerized tech. Most mechanics can’t work on Tesla vehicles – and according to Tesla that shouldn’t be an issue. They’ve essentially tried to design a car that almost never needs major service. Whether that’s how things turn out remains to be seen.

When it comes to vehicle design, the intended goal and reality often don’t align perfectly. Although many Tesla models do have a reputation for reliability, things can still go wrong. That’s one of the reasons why Tesla founded the Tesla START program.

Tesla – as well as many other auto manufacturers that are releasing ever-more-advanced vehicles – recommend visiting the manufacturer’s service centers for repairs. Service centers can have long wait times, especially when every vehicle owner in a metro area only has one or two options to choose from.

Not every Tesla owner will be near a Tesla service center when something goes wrong, which is why they may need a mechanic elsewhere who understands how to diagnose and repair their vehicle. The Tesla START trade school program is intended to help fill that void.

Another example of this shift in auto servicing education is the GM ASEP program. As we wrote about last month, General Motors is aggressively pursuing electric vehicle technology. The mechanics and vehicle techs trained to work on GM commuter and fleet vehicles today and in the not-so-distant future will need to have a thorough understanding of the diagnostic tools and technologies necessary for repairs and service.

Many Auto Shops Aren’t at a Complete Loss

Computers in vehicles aren’t new. Varying degrees of computerization in cars, trucks and SUVs has been occurring for multiple decades now. Most reputable auto shops have the experience and tools necessary to diagnose problems, update vehicle firmware, reflash software and troubleshoot problems with various engine or transmission controls.

Auto Training Changes with the Times

Organizations dedicated to enforcing quality standards in certain industries aren’t static. The National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE) regularly adjusts its various certification testing to ensure up-and-coming mechanics get a relevant education.

Their survival as an organization depends on their reputation for testing new mechanics on the skills auto service centers and repair shops need for modern vehicles. If students started realizing ASE certification wouldn’t help their job prospects, they’d stop paying for trade programs that tailor training to ASE certifications.

Should I Avoid Buying New Cars With Fancy Computer-Driven Components?

One could argue that given the current shortages, having repair needs on a new vehicle could be troublesome. However, there’s also an assumption that new vehicles won’t require big repairs or part replacements right away. If components are recalled or under warranty, you generally won’t have to worry about paying out of pocket for expensive repairs, but you still might have to wait for the job to be done.

In theory, not every mechanic will have the skills or technology to repair every vehicle, especially newer ones. You can still likely get repairs fairly easily, especially if you live in or near major metro areas with a lot of service shops and stations.

If you have your heart set on a newish vehicle, partially because of its fancy tech, you likely shouldn’t let fear of being unable to find an experienced mechanic stop you from getting the vehicle you want.

Get a Great Vehicle With Lots of Gadgets From Easterns Automotive

As a pre-owned dealership, Easterns Automotive sells a lot of great vehicles from the past decade, but we also sell a lot of recent year makes and models, many of which have very few miles. Many of these relatively new vehicles are maker certified and protected by great warranties. They likely feature all the electronic bells and whistles you could want and more.

Browse our inventory to find a great vehicle for your needs or visit one of our eight locations in Washington D.C., Baltimore, Maryland and Virginia. 

Best Used Cars Recommended by Mechanics

Different Vehicle Makes

Mechanics are often opinionated about vehicle quality. They work on a lot of vehicles and know which of their regular clients have the most problems, and which rarely – if ever – require significant repairs. Although they’re not car salesmen, they generally have a lot of relevant frontline experience when it comes to vehicle quality and reliability.

Car, Truck & SUV Recommendations

You’ll frequently see mechanics speak highly of Toyota and Honda brands, including Lexus and Acura (their respective luxury offerings). If you ask mechanics their opinions about vehicles, they frequently focus on miles, longevity and major repair needs. They usually have positive opinions of vehicles that can reliably go more than 200,000 miles when they’re properly maintained.

Some standouts include the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic. Neither are necessarily considered the flashiest vehicles ever designed. That doesn’t mean either model is lacking in modern comforts or features. Both are available in a variety of trims with varying levels of features and add-ons. Regardless of their trim, they generally offer hundreds of thousands of miles of reliable performance without catastrophic breakdowns.

When it comes to SUV and crossover recommendations, you’ll frequently see names like the affordable Subaru Forester, Nissans, Toyota Highlander and the Kia Sorento. The 2022 Consumer Reports Auto Reliability ranking just listed Lexus as number one thanks to its GX SUV. The versatile Mazda CX-9 also made their top 10 list in terms of reliability for 2022 models.

A lot of mechanics still rave about Ford and Chevy trucks for their durability, especially in rough working conditions. If a work truck doesn’t require frequent repairs and maintenance, even though it’s constantly being stressed, that’s probably a good sign. They also frequently approve of Japanese-built trucks like Toyotas and Nissans.

The Tradeoff Between Reputation, Reliability and Value

Many mechanics are also pragmatists, and they often adopt a nuanced view of vehicle recommendations. For example, they might recommend a Buick to some shoppers instead of a Toyota or Honda. The high demand for Japanese-built vehicles is well earned, but it also means they might in some cases be pricier than the less-renowned domestic vehicles. As a result, you can sometimes get a comparable vehicle for less if you’re willing to buy an alternative that might be slightly less reliable.

Cars With Resale Value

Reliability is important for car ownership, but it can also pay dividends if you’re not planning on holding onto your vehicle for the long term. Vehicles that are popular and reliable frequently depreciate at a slower rate than vehicles with bad reputations. You’ll have an easier time selling your vehicle quickly or getting a good deal on a trade-in if your vehicle is renowned for its dependability, even after hundreds of thousands of miles.

New Isn’t Always Better

New vehicles have a lot of quality of life and safety improvements that make driving more enjoyable and less dangerous. Those are great features, until they breakdown. You might notice some mechanics recommend older vehicles with fewer bells and whistles because they do tend to be cheaper and easier to maintain.

You may not want to be forced to take your vehicle to the manufacturer’s service center for every repair. You might also find it frustrating that special parts always need to be ordered to get your fancy HUD or digital dashboard working again.

There are also still some car owners who are dedicated DIYers and like mechanical things they know how to repair. The more advanced vehicles get, the harder it generally becomes for do-it-yourselfers to continue doing things themselves.

Reliability Ratings

It’s worth listening to mechanics, but keep in mind they aren’t necessarily the fount of all wisdom. You should also do your own research and look up metrics, like a vehicle’s reliability rating. Reliability rating is the measure of a vehicle’s chance for needing repairs and ultimately the cost of owning a vehicle in terms of maintenance and breakdowns. It’s likely that the advice of your mechanic and a vehicle reliability rating will coincide, but it’s still worth checking.

Get a Great Pre-Owned Vehicle in Virginia or Maryland

Easterns Automotive’s service experts thoroughly inspect each vehicle we acquire to ensure it will be a reliable new car, truck or SUV for one of our customers. In addition to getting car buyers great deals and flexible financing, we also want to make sure they never get a lemon.

If you’re in the market for a car with another hundred thousand (or more) miles left, don’t hesitate to browse our inventory or call us at 877-867-0641. You’re sure to find a fantastic vehicle that will meet your needs.

Emissions Checklist for Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C.

Uncategorized

Laws and regulations pertaining to vehicle emissions checks vary depending on where you live. In a metro area like the DMV where regulations can change in a matter of miles, things can get a bit complicated. Make sure to do your research on which rules apply to you.

Maryland Emissions Requirements

Maryland’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) applies to vehicles registered in:

  • Anne A​​ru​n​del County
  • Baltimore City
  • Baltimore County
  • Calvert County
  • Carroll County   
  • Cecil County
  • Charles County
  • Frederick County
  • Harford County
  • Howard County
  • Montgomery County
  • Prince George’s County
  • Queen Anne’s County
  • Washington County

If your vehicle isn’t registered in one of those counties, the VEIP rules won’t apply to you. A number of factors may also exempt your vehicle from VEIP requirements. Vehicles made in 1995 or earlier that weigh less than 8,500 pounds, historic vehicles, motorcycles, agricultural equipment and vehicles owned by certain types of drivers (like seniors over the age of 70) might be exempt. Check the Maryland DMV’s website to learn more.

The test your vehicle will be required to undergo depends on its age and type:

  • Gas caps of eligible vehicles manufactured in 1995 or earlier
  • On-board diagnostics for 1996 and newer vehicles (namely the emission control components)
  • Tailpipe test for vehicles manufactured 1995 or earlier and heavy-duty vehicles 2008 or newer

You can find a VEIP station in your county here.

Washington D.C. Vehicle Emissions Inspection

Washington D.C. is one of the few places where you can perform your own vehicle emissions test at a free-standing kiosk.

The type of test your vehicle will need to pass depends on the year it was built. Vehicles built in 1996 or later undergo an on-board diagnostics (OBD) test that is intended to confirm all emissions-related components and systems are working properly. Vehicles manufactured between 1985 and 1995 undergo a tailpipe test. Vehicles built between 1968 and 1983 must past a two-speed idle tailpipe test. 

If your vehicle is registered in Washington D.C. and only requires the OBD test, you can use the self-service kiosk. You may want to read the tutorial first. If for whatever reason you can’t get the self-serve vehicle test to work, you’ll need to visit a DC DMV Inspection Station during their normal business hours.

Virginia Emissions Requirement

Not every Virginia vehicle owner is required to have inspections performed. If your vehicle is registered in one of the following cities or counties, you will be required to have emissions inspections performed:

  • Arlington County
  • Fairfax County
  • Loudoun County
  • Prince William County
  • Stafford County
  • Alexandria
  • Fairfax
  • Falls Church
  • Manassas
  • Manassas Park

Some vehicles are exempt, such as motorcycles, gasoline passengers vehicles over 25 years of age, diesel vehicles manufactured after 1996 that weigh less than 8,501 pounds and electric and natural gas vehicles. You can see the full list of exemptions on the Virginia DMV emissions inspection website.

Virginia makes it easier than a lot of states to get an inspection because they don’t rely solely on DMV-operated emission testing facilities. There are literally hundreds of inspection stations to choose from in cities and counties that require emissions testing because the checks can be performed at nearly any service station, repair shop or dealership that displays the DEQ (Virginia Department of Environmental Quality) logo. You can find a testing station near you here.

In most cases your vehicle emissions testing is required for renewing vehicle registration and is usually good for two years. As with the Washington D.C. and Maryland inspections, most vehicles manufactured since 1996 undergo the OBD testing of the vehicle’s emissions systems. Older vehicles and heavier vehicles may be required to undergo the two-speed dynamometer tailpipe test.

Does Your Vehicle Bought From Easterns Automotive Require Emissions Testing?

Whether your vehicle bought from Easterns Automotive requires emissions testing depends on where you’ll be registering it. Most of the car shoppers visiting our eight locations throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. will likely require some kind of emissions testing.

However, there are a lot of different rules and state and county authorities in the states we serve. Make sure to check with your local DMV on emissions and vehicle inspection requirements for your area.

If you’re looking for a great pre-owned vehicle in the DMV – one that’s been thoroughly inspected for things like vehicle safety and working on-board diagnostics – visit Easterns Automotive Group.

Call us at 877-867-0641 and browse our inventory to learn about our vehicle selection near you.

Great Vehicles Between $20,000 and $30,000 for Sale in Washington D.C. and Baltimore

Sales

It’s easy for Maryland and Virginia residents to get discouraged if they’re hunting for a pre-owned vehicle right now. Inventories are tight and it may feel next to impossible to find a used vehicle that isn’t overpriced.

Thankfully, Easterns Automotive Group is here to help. We have literally hundreds of great low-mileage pre-owned vehicles in the sweet $20,000 to $30,000 range. Most have far fewer than 100,000 miles. In many cases they only have a few thousand miles.

Owners who bought or leased these vehicles new are selling them or getting out of their leases after just 30,000, 40,000 or 50,000 miles. In most cases these cars, trucks and SUVs have only had a single owner who has taken good care of the car and/or have kept it under their lease mileage cap.

That means you’re buying 200,000 more miles and many years of great performance at a significant discount. The steepest depreciation has already occurred, which means you’re getting a great deal on a reliable vehicle – even in a tough used car market.   

2019 Kia Soul

You can view our inventory of 2019 Kia Souls here. Most of these vehicles are the higher-end Soul! and Soul+ trim vehicles and priced at just $20,000 to $25,000, which is a steal for the relatively low mileage Souls in our inventory.

2019 Toyota Corolla

Easterns Automotive has many 2019 Toyota Corolla and Corolla LEs in our inventory, many of which have well under 60,000 miles.

2018 Toyota Camry

Depending on the trim and features, you can find a great 2018 Toyota Camry for anywhere from the low $20,000 to around $30,000. Many of the 2018 Camrys in our inventory have under 40,000 miles, meaning they still have most of their miles ahead of them.

2018 Honda Civic

The great thing about Honda Civics is they’re deservedly popular and, as a result, are relatively easy to find. You can find well over a dozen 2018 Honda Civics in Easterns Automotive’s inventory, including the EX, EX-T, Hatchback EX, LX, Coupe and more. All are priced between $20,000 and $30,000, and most have between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Some even have far fewer miles and are CARFAX One-Owner certified.

2019 Kia Optima

The recent 2019 Kia Optima received rave reviews in part for the luxury feel of its spacious interior and the great safety and entertainment features available in even the standard trim. You can find exceptional 2019 Kia Optimas in Easterns’ inventory in the $20,000 to $30,000 range.

2018 Honda Accord

Another Honda model renowned for its reliability, class and features is the Accord. With so many Honda Accords on the road, and so many loyal Honda Accord buyers, it’s no surprise many people who buy them new trade up to newer models after just a few years of ownership.

That’s great news for value-driven pre-owned car buyers who can pick up 2018 Honda Accords at a steep discount. Many of the 2018 Honda Accords on Easterns Automotive lots have between 30,000 and 40,000 miles and are deeply discounted at between $25,000 and $30,000.

What to Look for in Pre-Owned Value

Anyone who is under the impression that you can only get a reliable, long-lasting car for $50,000 or more is simply misinformed. With the way vehicle depreciation works, many of the best, longest– lasting vehicles are available at a massive discount within three or four years of being manufactured.

These relatively new vehicles often haven’t been driven much for all kinds of reasons. In places like Baltimore or Washington D.C. many people have relatively short commutes, or only use mass transit to get to and from work or school. They might be older, retired and only use their car to run errands.  

When those drivers sell their vehicles, it’s great news for car shoppers who are looking for discounts on young vehicles – often with nice trims that are decked out with the latest and greatest features.

If you’ve done your research and know the vehicle you’re buying will have minimal maintenance needs and can reliably go more than 200,000 miles, why not buy it preowned?

With hundreds of preowned, lightly used and virtually new vehicles for sale at our eight locations in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C., you can trust Easterns Automotive has what you’re seeking. Call us at 877-867-0641 or visit our inventory to see what’s in stock.

Helping Hands – The Neighborhood Well

Community, Uncategorized,

Omolayo Adebayo recently launched a program in Maryland that provides showers for the homeless called The Neighborhood Well. When Adebayo is not practicing law as an attorney, she devotes her time and energy to this mission. It is the first non-profit organization of its kind that provides mobile showers to homeless individuals.

“I love encouraging people. My name means, ‘This child brings us joy,'” Adebayo said, smiling. “My parents have always instilled in me to give and give freely.” Joel Bassam from Easterns Automotive Group was touched by Adebayo’s selfless nature and wanted to help in any way he could.

“The Neighborhood Well is a truly amazing organization. The way that you all are providing resources to people experiencing homelessness for them to take the first steps to achieve self-sufficiency is an incredible way to help those individuals,” Bassam said. “We want to donate $2,000 so you can continue supporting those people and achieving the amazing work that you are doing in your community.”

It will help with the purchase of supplies, water disposal, maintenance, and other issues, Adebayo said. “I am overjoyed and always overwhelmed when people see the same vision that I see because it’s not easy to walk this journey,” Adebayo said.

Get Up Give Back – Hope Connections

Community, Uncategorized,

Hope Connections for Cancer Support believes that no patient should face cancer alone. The organization provides emotional and physical support to people living with cancer.

Get Up DC’s Allison Seymour met with the non-profit’s president and CEO, Mary McCusker. Hope Connections helps cancer patients cope with the mind-body connection through its support groups while receiving medical treatments.

“There is something very therapeutic to be able to sit in a room of people that know exactly what you’re going through and what you’re feeling at any given time,” McCusker said. “And then also the physical side. We offer gentle yoga, Pilates, mind-body boxing, and also meditation and relaxation, and all of the things that will really help you on that journey.”

Hope Connections also provides educational programs run by a medical advisory board of professionals. These experts provide information on cancer treatment options and how to deal with fatigue related to cancer.

We had the opportunity to surprise McCusker and donate $1,000 to Hope Connections. McCusker was happy just to share about Hope Connections but walked away in awe by this surprise!

The Microchip Shortage and How It Has Changed the Used Car Industry

Manufacturing

Last year’s pandemic has caused severe and enduring disruptions in the production of microchips. This global shortage of microchips has caused a significant slowdown in the automotive industry, forcing automakers to delay or halt the production of many cars.

Nowadays new cars usually come with digital speedometers and other artificial intelligence-driven tools, like back-up cameras or lane departure warning systems. Adding these innovative features requires automakers to rely heavily on microchips. Without these tiny silicon elements, many car manufacturers are unable to produce new vehicles.

Another factor driving the current microchip crunch is self-preservation. Automakers are currently attempting to acquire more supply than they need so they don’t face these types of shortages again. This desire to stock up is causing additional supply crunch in the auto industry and beyond.

It is estimated that the car microchip shortage will cause global vehicle production volumes to drop by about seven to eight million units, causing billions of dollars in revenue loss.

This Too Shall Pass… But When?

Auto market analysts remain optimistic and predict that the problem will ease in 2022. However, chip makers are hesitant to make such claims and forecast that the shortage could last well into 2023.

Why Did The Chip Shortage Happen?

The first signs of trouble appeared in the early months of 2020. As COVID-19 continued to wreak havoc on the global economy, auto sales in the United States dropped as much as 50%. This caused many factories to close and cancel work orders.

When the corporate world started transitioning to remote work, many employees were forced to purchase essential electronics to work from home. This flooded chip manufacturers with a workload they could barely handle.

As restrictions were lifted and travel resumed, so did the demand for cars. When automakers attempted to order more chips, they discovered that chip factories were already doubling down on efforts to keep up with the skyrocketing demand. Since then, microchip manufacturers have not been able adequately increase production.

How Does This Affect the Car Industry?

As car shortage remains in full swing, dealerships are having an increasingly tough time replenishing their inventory. In July, the inventory of new cars for sale hit the lowest number since tracking auto supply began.

Consumer demand for cars has not decreased. This has resulted in empty car lots and an imbalanced ratio between new and used vehicles for sale.

Consider Selling Your Car in Washington D.C. or Baltimore to Easterns Automotive Group

Despite their best efforts, chip manufacturers are uncertain as to when microchip production will go back to normal. As some predict, this might take well over two years. This means that the demand and prices for used cars will continue to be on the rise.

Households that can take advantage of remote work may no longer need more than one vehicle. Why pay insurance and maintenance costs on a car you barely drive when you can sell it and make substantial profit?

If you’re thinking about selling or trading in your used vehicle, consider selling it to Easterns Automotive Group. We will gladly take your vehicle as is, so you won’t have to put any extra time or money into washing, vacuuming, etc. We’ll handle all the details and paperwork so you can quickly get your cash and go on with your day.

Get a Fast Cash Offer for Your Vehicle

At Easterns Automotive Group we make it easy to sell your car for a great price. By answering a few simple yet crucial questions about your car, we will be able to send you a firm offer within just a few hours.

You can also call us at call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations to get started.

How a Salesperson Can Change your Perspective on Car Buying

Sales

Shopping for a car can be a dauting experience. Car salespeople have a reputation for being narrowly focused on sales and putting that priority over the car shopper’s best interest.

Many salespeople are paid a commission whenever they manage to get a car off a dealership parking lot. When dollar signs dominate the salesperson’s mind, they might not give you the time and proper guidance you need to make an informed purchase. Working with the wrong salesperson can leave you feeling drained, discouraged and pressured into buying a car you don’t want or need. It can literally be a costly mistake that lands you in the wrong car.

Conversely, the right professional will save you time, money and turn the process into an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Working with the right salesperson will feel like a breath of fresh air. They will be honest, respectful of your time and will tailor vehicle options to meet your preferences.

Here are some more ways to evaluate a car salesperson so that you know you’re getting the experience you deserve.

Signs of a Good Salesperson:

  1. Listens Attentively
  2. Values Your Time
  3. Knowledgeable
  4. Follows up ASAP
  5. Is Honest

Listens Attentively

A true professional will give you ample time to explain your transportation needs. They will ask you questions to learn more about your driving habits and what type of vehicle will best fit your lifestyle. They will not interrupt you or try to undermine your opinions. They will keep you the center of attention, instead of taking up too much space with empty words and promises.

Values Your Time

You may want to call the dealership ahead of time and make an appointment. Tell the sales manager which car you want to test drive and ask for the name of the salesperson you’ll be working with. If the salesperson and car are ready for your appointment, it’s a promising sign.

Pro-tip: Usually, a reliable dealership will have a list of new and used cars available for sale with detailed descriptions and an image gallery. You should be able to browse the dealership’s inventory by going to their website.

Knowledgeable

A good salesperson will have a comprehensive knowledge of their product. Doing plenty of research prior to your appointment and asking detailed questions about the car you like are effective ways to test how much the salesperson knows about it. Look for responses that are detailed and straightforward. If they’re being vague or trying to dodge questions, chances are they have little to no knowledge of the car they’re trying to sell you. An honest salesperson will admit that they don’t know the answer but go to great lengths to find it out.

Follows up ASAP

If the right car isn’t available right away or you need to come back later to seal the deal, a good salesperson will commit to calling you back. They will take your contact details and take it upon themselves to follow up with you as soon as that car becomes available.

Is Honest

A good salesperson will be honest from the start. If they can’t sell you what you’re looking for, they won’t try to convince you an imperfect alternative vehicle is the best choice for you.

Signs of a Bad Salesperson:

  1. Doesn’t Respect Your Time
  2. Is All About Pressure
  3. Tries to Rush You
  4. Withholds Information

Doesn’t Respect Your Time

It’s a bad sign if you’ve been on the lot browsing for 20 minutes and no one has acknowledged your presence or offered you help. It’s even worse if you have showed up to your appointment but the salesperson you’re supposed to be working with is nowhere to be found. A good salesperson will give you a moment to browse and follow up with a subtle and pressure-free offer to help.

Is All About Pressure

This is what customers dread most. No one likes to be pressured into buying things, especially big purchases like a car. The salesperson trying to march you into their office before you have even had a chance to test drive a car is a red flag. If the shopping process is making you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to walk away and look for a better experience.

Tries to Rush You

Another tactic similar to being pushy is trying to make you think you’re going to lose out on the car because of things like high demand or another buyer’s interest in that same vehicle.  If a salesperson is pressuring you to act fast or you’ll lose the deal of your lifetime, your best option is to just walk out of the dealership and go somewhere else.

Withholds Information

A reputable car dealership has nothing to hide. If the salesperson is unable to provide you with a Carfax report or refuses to let a mechanic you trust look at the car, walk away from the vehicle. The last thing you want to do is buy a lemon.

Visit Easterns Automotive Group for an Easy and Relaxed Car Shopping Experience

At Easterns Automotive, we strive to make your car buying journey informative and fair. Our dedicated team of professionals will help you find the vehicle that’s right for you and your family’s needs without making you feel rushed or pressured.

If you’re looking for a quality used car and a stress-free experience, call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations.

How to Spot if a Used Car Is a Lemon

FAQs

Purchasing a car can be a nerve-racking experience. If your budget is limited, or you want to avoid the rapid depreciation of a new vehicle, you might consider looking into used cars. One of the few potential downsides of purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is getting one that turns out to be unreliable and in need of expensive repairs – or a lemon.

Fortunately, there are plenty of signs that can indicate the car you’ve been eyeing is a lemon.

To help you with your vehicle shopping experience, we have complied a list of the most common lemon signs to look out for.

  1. Vaguely Written Ad
  2. Mismatch Paint Work
  3. Misconfigured Body Parts
  4. Mismatched or Worn-Out Tires
  5. Suspicious Interior
  6. Faulty Suspension System
  7. Manipulated Odometer

Vaguely Written Ad

Ads are supposed to paint the most glowing possible image of a product or service to increase the chance someone will buy it. A car ad doesn’t have to be immaculate, but it should sound professional and contain as much information about the car as possible.

The ad should highlight the car’s best features but also disclose any problems that it has, such as damage or if it’s been in an accident. It’s usually a good sign if the seller explains the reason behind selling the car. An ad that is vague or focuses only on the car’s highlights could be a sign the vehicle has some underlying issues, and the offer is not as good as it sounds.

Mismatched Paint Work

If you walk around the vehicle and notice spots that are slightly different in color, appear faded or are freshly painted, this might mean the car was in an accident and the owner tried to cut corners instead of fully fixing it. Any car with hidden accident damage is best avoided. Plus, fixing mismatched paintwork can get expensive so unless you want to incur additional costs, you are better off continuing your search.

Misconfigured Body Parts

When inspecting a used car, be mindful of any misaligned parts, including irregularities in the alignment of body panels, car doors, hood gaps and trunks. While many sellers will try to downplay these issues and pass them off as minor and harmless aesthetic deficiencies, this might be far from true.

Misconfigured body parts are a major red flag and indicate that the car was most likely involved in a major accident.

Mismatched or Worn-Out Tires

Tires are the proverbial windows into a car’s soul. You can gather a lot of information about the condition of a used car just by looking at its tires. The first thing you should check is if the tires are uniform. In other words, if all four tires are the same size and brand. Uniform tires ensure optimum stability and control of the car.

Moreover, worn-out tires could indicate heavy wear on the vehicle and poor maintenance. Also, if you notice cupped tires, this usually means problems with brakes, suspension or steering.

Suspicious Interior

Just like exterior features, the car’s interior can also give you many clues about the condition it is in.

If you spot any discolorations and stains inside the car, it might indicate that it was flooded in the past. Conversely, if you notice an interior that has brand-new upholstery, it can also indicate that the seller is attempting to cover up water damage.

Faulty Suspension System

When you take a used car for a test drive and notice things like difficulty steering, continued bounding after hitting bumps or drifting when turning corners, these may be signs of serious suspension problems.

You can check the car’s suspension by pushing down on the fenders and then letting go quickly. The car should rebound softly once or twice. If it rebounds more than twice, the suspension probably needs some major repairs, which the seller might not be willing to pay for.

Manipulated Odometer

A used car with relatively low mileage can be a great deal. A car that is low in miles means that it hasn’t been driven much and has plenty of life left in it.

Be warry of sellers who purposely tamper with a car’s odometer. Unscrupulous resellers might go to great lengths to manipulate the numbers so that the car shows low mileage.

If the car is older and displays a lot of wear and tear, but the miles don’t match the appearance, save yourself the headache and look for a different seller.

Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Cars in Maryland and Virginia?

Lemon laws vary by state and can be nuanced and convoluted. Even if you believe that the used car you purchased is a lemon, the law might say otherwise. You might have to complete several steps before you can file a formal complaint.

Unfortunately, Lemon Laws in Virginia and Maryland only apply to new vehicles and leased vehicles.

Get a Great Used Vehicle from Easterns Automotive Group

Why put yourself through the stress and hassle of purchasing a used car from a questionable seller? At Eastern Automotive, every vehicle on our lot has passed a rigorous multi-point certification check so you can shop with confidence.

If you’re looking for a quality car and a stress-free experience, call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations.