The car sales process tends to be more stressful and hazardous than many think it will be. Not every sales team takes a customer-centric approach to the sales process. That’s why, as a car shopper, you can best protect yourself by doing your own due diligence and research. 

What’s the price?

This isn’t as straightforward as just looking at the sticker. Beyond the base price, you also need to factor in taxes, your financing plan’s cost (interest rates, monthly payments, etc.) and any other extraneous fees, like documentation and registration fees.

What’s the car’s history?

Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to review the pre-owned model’s history, including any previous accidents or title issues. At Easterns Automotive, many of our models are only two or three years old with only tens of thousands of miles. Our maintenance team thoroughly inspects and repairs our models before listing them to ensure our customers receive a high-quality vehicle built to last. We’re committed to ensuring every buyer gets a car that will reliably last them for years in the future.

Is there a warranty?

While used cars typically don’t have a warranty, a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealership should have one. If the car is still relatively new and qualifies as a certified pre-owned vehicle, be sure to get information on the existing manufacturer warranty and find out how long it will last. Regardless of whether one of our cars has a warranty or not, Easterns Automotive provides a seven-day return policy and 30-day / 1,000-mile warranty to give our shoppers peace of mind that we will promptly address any potential issues.

Can I take it on a test drive?

The best way to confirm if the car performs as advertised is to take it on a test drive. Shoppers are more than welcome to stop by one of our dealerships to try out any of the vehicles in our inventory. We thoroughly examine our models’ engines, cabins and exteriors to ensure their comfort, performance and reliability exceed expectations.

Has the car had any recent repairs or part replacements?

What exactly was repaired or replaced and why? Was it due to an accident, wear and tear or a manufacturer recall? Gleaning any recent repairs or part replacements can give you insight into the car’s condition and potential future maintenance needs.

Can I have the car inspected by an independent mechanic?

An independent mechanic’s inspection can reveal hidden issues or potential problems that some dealerships might not be willing to disclose. Having a vehicle inspected by your own mechanic may allow you to feel confident that you’re making a sound purchase where you’re fully aware of the facts.

What is the trade-in value of my current car?

Knowing the trade-in value of your current vehicle can give you negotiating power while shopping for an upgrade, increasing your chances of securing a fair price for your next vehicle. The certified pre-owned cars at Easterns Automotive are guaranteed to give you a valuable recoup on your investment, as we only list models that we’re confident will exceed the manufacturer’s standards so they will retain a high resale or trade-in value.

What is the base qualifying credit score for this vehicle?

At Easterns Automotive, we don’t deny car shoppers a vehicle because their credit scores aren’t perfect. As the “Where Your Job is Your Credit™” dealership, all we need is proof of employment. Our well-connected auto financing team will utilize our network of banks and lenders to help you get competitive financing for a reliable used vehicle that still has many years and miles of life ahead of it.

#1 Certified Pre-Owned Dealership for Reliable Vehicles and Competitive Financing in D.C. and Baltimore

The team at Easterns Automotive has won DealerRater’s “Consumer Satisfaction Award” for seven years in a row. We’re ready to help you find a car and payment plan that suits your needs and fits with your life. Browse our vast inventory online or in person at one of our dealerships today.

Acura, Honda’s luxury vehicle division, has been designing affordable high-end vehicles since 1986. The automaker unveiled the TLX in 2014. This luxury sport sedan boasts high-performance capabilities, a plush interior and high reliability ratings that will give any car shopper a valuable return on their investment.

Buying or leasing an Acura TLX, however, goes beyond budgeting for the initial price. Car ownership entails paying numerous recurring costs over your years of ownership and being ready to pay unexpected expenses in case of an emergency. Before going into a used car dealership in Washington D.C. or Baltimore to shop for an Acura, you should understand exactly how much you may be signing up to pay for the next couple of decades.

Cost Breakdown

MSRP: For the 2023 model, the Acura TLX starts at an MSRP of about $40,000. More advanced models like the Type S can push the price over $55,000.

At Easterns Automotive, you can buy an Acura TLX for half the cost, if not less, without worrying about compromising your investment’s long-term quality. Our models are only a few years old at most, and we rigorously inspect them to ensure they’ll last another hundred thousand miles or more.

Insurance: The cost of insuring an Acura TLX can vary based on your age, driving history, location and the specific insurance company. On average, you might expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 per year for insurance, but this can be higher depending on your age, the city where you live and your driving record.

Fuel Costs: The fuel efficiency of the Acura TLX depends on the specific model and engine type. The base model with the 2.0-liter engine has an EPA estimate of about 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Using the U.S. average gas price of around $3.50 per gallon and assuming you drive about 15,000 miles per year, you may expect to pay around $1,800 annually for gas.

Maintenance and Repairs: If you’re buying new or fully refurbished, chances are your Acura TLX won’t require expensive upkeep for a few years, but over time the costs can grow more expensive. As the model ages, you’ll need to factor in oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacement and unforeseen repairs into your budget.

Compared to other brands, especially other luxury car brands, Acura has comparatively low maintenance costs. The Acura TLX typically costs around $501 to maintain each year, while the national average for vehicle maintenance is around $632. The brand also has an above-average reliability rating, so owners can worry less about a potential breakdown and pay less if any issues do occur.

At Easterns Automotive, we offer a seven-day return policy and our 30-day / 1,000-mile warranty so buyers can rest easy knowing that if they run into any issues after leaving the lot, we’ll address them promptly and assiduously.

Depreciation: Depreciation is a significant but often overlooked cost of vehicle ownership. Luxury vehicles like the Acura TLX are at an elevated risk of fast depreciation. In the first five years, you can expect a new luxury vehicle to lose about 40 to 50 percent of its value, depending on condition and mileage.

New Acura TLX Five-Year Cost Breakdown

Say the MSRP for your specific model is $46,700. Factoring in:

• Insurance: $2,000/year x 5 years = $10,000
• Fuel Costs: $1,800/year x 5 years = $9,000
• Maintenance and Repairs: $800/year x 5 years = $4,000
• Depreciation: 45 percent of $46,700 = $21,015

In total, you’ll spend $90,715 over 5 years, or $18,143 per year. Your costs may be much lower if you buy a pre-owned Acura TLX, as you will dodge most of that depreciation without sacrificing the low maintenance and fuel costs. 

We’ve Won DealerRater’s “Consumer Satisfaction Award” Seven Years in a Row for Dedicated Customer Service

At Easterns Automotive, we offer shockingly reasonable prices for our Acura models and flexible financing that puts your needs and preferences first, even for shoppers who might not have stellar credit.

As the dealership where “Your Job is Your Credit™”, all we require is proof of steady employment and we’ll utilize our connections with auto lenders to help you secure the financing you need to comfortably afford a certified pre-owned Acura TLX or any other make or model you’re looking for.

Browse our Acura inventory online or in person at one of our dealerships today.

There are many obvious differences between models and makes – from the type and quality of engines they’re sporting to how their exterior is designed – but one factor that can escape shoppers’ minds while buying is the level of maintenance a car demands.

Since new cars typically won’t require serious maintenance in the first few years of ownership, it’s easy to forget about this important variable. Cars won’t stay new forever, and buyers should consider the possibility that they are signing up to pay thousands of dollars for maintenance later on when a similar make or model may cost significantly less to maintain.

What Are the Most Expensive Cars and Trucks to Maintain?

BMW: BMW vehicles come with sophisticated engineering that can be costly to maintain. A typical oil change can cost between $150 and $250 when the average is $50. More significant repairs, like a brake job, can exceed $1,000.

Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz models have a reputation for high maintenance prices. The S-Class can cost upwards of $1,200 for a major service. The G-Class can cost up to $16,561 over 10 years due to its need for unique parts and specialized service.

Audi: As one of the flagship luxury makers, Audi models are expensive to maintain. The A8’s advanced technology, the Q7’s complex all-wheel-drive system and the R8’s high-performance engine all require frequent and costly maintenance. An annual service for an Audi A8 can easily reach $1,500, while the R8 can cost even more since its design centers on its performance capabilities.

Land Rover: Land Rover’s luxury off-road system can lead to high maintenance costs. A typical annual service for a Range Rover can cost between $1,200 and $1,500, with more complex repairs costing significantly more.

GMC: GMC’s advanced tech features can make it more expensive to repair and replace. Annual maintenance costs for the Sierra 1500 Denali, in particular, can exceed $1,000, with repairs often costing more than the standard models.

Is It Worth It to Buy a Car That’s Expensive to Maintain?

If your budget allows for pricy maintenance fees, there’s a lot of enjoyment a high-maintenance luxury vehicle can give you. From providing a powerful engine and advanced technology to a sleek and comfortable interior, some of the benefits can make the extra costs worth it. Potential buyers should carefully weigh these benefits against the financial implications, considering their financial stability and monthly budgets, before making a decision.

They should also consider this when buying new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned. Buying new is often a reliable but pricey option, while pre-owned is the cheapest but also the quickest to fall apart, requiring frequent maintenance. Certified pre-owned cars are often buyers’ preferred choice, as they’ve been officially reviewed and come with manufacturer warranties but cost significantly less than new cars.

If you’re looking to save on maintenance, many high-quality models don’t cost a lot to maintain. Some brands with the lowest maintenance costs include:

• Toyota: Toyota models are renowned for being high-quality and low maintenance. The Corolla and Prius’s annual maintenance costs typically range from $300 to $700.

• Honda: Honda vehicles also have low maintenance expenses. The Civic’s annual maintenance costs average around $428, while the Accord and CR-V cost approximately $407.

• Hyundai: Hyundai models offer cost-effective maintenance fees, with the Elantra’s annual maintenance costs ranging from $280 to $380 and the Sonata costing around $390 to $490.

• Kia: Kia cars are typically low maintenance and have extensive warranties. The Forte has annual maintenance costs of approximately $290 to $390, and the Optima costs about $400 to $500.

• Mazda: Mazda models have affordable maintenance costs, with the Mazda3’s annual maintenance fluctuating around $433 and the Mazda6 costing around $481.

• Subaru: Subaru vehicles cost a moderate amount to maintain. The Impreza’s annual maintenance costs are about $653, which is approximately the national average, while the Forester costs around $632.

• Nissan: Nissan’s maintenance costs are generally inexpensive due to their models’ enhanced durability. The Sentra costs approximately $491 to maintain, while the Altima costs around $483.

Trust the #1 Certified Pre-Owned Dealership in Baltimore and Washington D.C. for High-Quality Cars and Customer Service

You shouldn’t have to break the bank to buy reliable transportation. At Easterns Automotive, we offer well-maintained and thoroughly inspected pre-owned vehicles that have been built to last. Our models are refurbished to meet strict quality standards and to ensure we’re not passing unnecessary maintenance-intensive vehicles on to car buyers.

Work with the long-time winner of DealerRater’s “Consumer Satisfaction Award”. Browse our inventory online or visit one of our dealerships and let one of our car experts help you find the right model for you.

Yes. In fact, negotiating for a lower price on a certified pre-owned car is often easier than a new car. Newer cars have manufacturer-set prices and dealer promotions that can leave less room for negotiation. In contrast, certified pre-owned vehicles may have a more flexible price range shoppers looking to buy a car can take advantage of – while still being certified for guaranteed long-lasting quality.

Certified Pre-Owned vs. Pre-Owned

While a certified pre-owned car will cost significantly less than a new car, it will typically be more expensive than a pre-owned car that isn’t certified. Certified pre-owned means that the car has undergone rigorous inspection to meet the manufacturer’s standards. This inspection typically includes a comprehensive exterior and interior check, confirming it has adequate mileage and performance abilities and that any necessary repairs have been made. Pre-owned cars, especially those sold privately by owners, don’t have the same guarantees.

Most manufacturers place age and mileage restrictions on their certification programs. For example, in order for a used car to be qualified as a certified pre-owned vehicle, it may need to be no more than five or six years old and have fewer than 60,000 or 80,000 miles. The specific criteria varies based on the manufacturer.

Used cars that don’t meet the certified pre-owned eligibility requirements usually aren’t eligible for extended warranties, while certified pre-owned cars are typically sold with an extended manufacturer warranty. At Easterns Automotive, we offer a seven-day return policy and 30-day / 1,000-mile warranty to give our shoppers, both used car buyers and certified pre-owned car buyers, peace of mind that even if they run into an issue, we’ll address it promptly.

Negotiating Tactics

Know the Car

Research the market value of the car you’re interested in to understand what the market value is and how it’s generally priced. Tools like Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds can help shoppers estimate the value of different makes, models and years in the certified pre-owned market.

Know the Price – the Actual Price

Have a clear budget before you start shopping. Evaluate the upfront price as well as the ongoing costs, including maintenance fees, fuel costs, insurance and the specifics of your financing plan if applicable, including interest rates and loan terms.

Know Your Budget

Having a clear understanding of your budget before approaching a dealership can give you leverage during negotiations. Getting pre-qualified[1]  for a loan before you visit the dealership can not only give you a fixed price point to work with. This may be beneficial during negotiations since they know you have financing with a strict limit and may be willing to negotiate on price to accommodate and make a sale.

… Or Avoid Negotiating Altogether

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 auto financing team will utilize our auto lending network to help you get manageable financing for a high-quality car.

We believe in providing our customers with fair, straightforward prices. Our certified pre-owned vehicles are priced competitively, without hidden fees or exaggerated interest rates. Our financing team offers a range of financing options to suit different budgets and credit situations. We work with multiple lenders to find the best rates and terms for our customers so you can get the car that checks all your boxes without the emotional and financial strain.

#1 Certified Pre-Owned Dealership for Reliable Used Cars in Washington D.C. and Baltimore

At Easterns Automotive, our team is here to answer any questions you may have about the car shopping and financing process. Get expert guidance through every step of the car buying process. Browse our inventory online or in person at one of our dealerships today.

A substantial majority of dealerships will refer to your Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) score when assessing you for financing. In fact, 90 percent of lenders rely on this score for credit decisions due to FICO’s focus on a borrower’s ability to repay a debt.

The other major but less commonly utilized score is VantageScore, which provides consistent scoring for Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Credit score can significantly impact your car buying experience. If you have a subprime score, you may have more trouble securing approval or getting low interest rates.

At Easterns Automotive, we look at more than just your credit score when assessing auto loan eligibility. We’re the dealership where “Your Job is Your Credit™”. As long as you have a job, we’ll leverage our network of auto lenders to customize financing solutions to meet your needs, so you can secure reliable transportation easier and with minimal stress.

FICO vs. VantageScore

FICO is the most widely recognized credit score. With a range of 300 to 850, FICO scores are primarily utilized to assess a borrower’s risk level. A variety of factors are considered while evaluating your ability to repay an auto loan, but some carry more weight than others, including:

• Payment history (35 percent)
• Debts owed (30 percent)
• Length of credit history (15 percent)
• New credit inquiries (10 percent)
• Your amount and mix of credit accounts (10 percent)

VantageScore was created by the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – for the purpose of providing a consistent scoring method across all three bureaus. If you use Credit Karma, the score you see on your dashboard is your VantageScore.

VantageScore has the same range as FICO but places more emphasis on total credit usage, balances and how much credit you currently have available and less on your credit experience and payment history. Put simply, VantageScore fixates on your current credit situation, while FICO places more weight on your credit history.

When applying for auto financing, it’s typically better for borrowers to have their FICO evaluated than their VantageScore. FICO scores are only generated once a user has an open account for at least six months. In contrast, VantageScore will assign you a score even if your history is as short as one month. Longer histories are ideal for those looking to get a favorable loan on a new car since having a longer history typically translates into a better score and credit report.

Moreover, it’s easier to qualify for a good loan with a lower FICO score than a lower VantageScore. Lenders typically require a minimum score of 600, but those with a 500 can occasionally qualify (although they may be subject to higher interest rates, depending on the lender). A VantageScore below 700 will have a low chance of securing a favorable loan, and those with a 500 may have a hard time being accepted for a loan in general.

How Many Months Should You Finance a Used Car?

Your credit score will also impact the conditions of your auto loan, including your loan term. How long you should finance a car will depend. A long loan term can allow car shoppers to disperse the cost, but their monthly payments will usually be higher. A short loan term will not cost you as much on a monthly basis, but your interest rate will likely be inflated.

The most common auto loan terms include:

• 36 months: Shortest term available with lowest interest rates, but higher monthly payments.
• 48 months: Moderate term length with adequate monthly payments and interest rates.
• 60 months: Longer term with lower monthly payments but higher interest costs.
• 72+ months: Prolonged term with very low monthly payments but higher total interest costs.

If you can comfortably afford it, higher monthly payments can help improve your credit score more than a higher interest rate. If you can’t afford the higher monthly payments on a shorter term, you should try to secure a moderate loan term between 48 and 60 months with balanced monthly payments and interest rates.

We’re Dedicated to Helping You Find the Right Car at the Right Price – Regardless of Your Credit Score

Shopping at a dealership that focuses less on your score and metrics and more on your needs will elevate your chances of securing a stress-free auto loan. At Easterns Automotive, every payment you make through us will be reported to credit bureaus, so buying one of our reliable certified pre-owned vehicles can directly translate into gradual credit score improvements – allowing our customers to secure dependable transportation and improved financial stability simultaneously.

Call 888-650-4775 today to learn more about our assiduously maintained, certified pre-owned cars and our personalized financing options.

Securing financing at a dealership can be a mentally and time-exhausting endeavor, often lasting two to three hours, if not more. Pre-approved financing can streamline the financing process and strengthen your negotiating position as a car buyer, reducing the stress of car shopping.

Pre-Approved vs. Pre-Qualified Financing

Pre-qualified financing isn’t as definitive as pre-approval financing – although both are simply proactive measures that prepare car shoppers for the official process. Pre-qualification is an informal and unofficial service provided by lenders where they conduct a preliminary review of your application. It’s essentially a practice run that shows you how a lender will judge your application, offering insight into ways you can improve your application before submitting it officially. However, while pre-qualification gives you a general idea of what you might be eligible for, it’s not a guaranteed offer.

Pre-approval financing, on the other hand, is a more formal, detailed and intensive process that will provide you with an actual loan amount, interest rate and other definitive terms of your auto loan rather than just an estimate. Pre-approval isn’t approval, but it shows you what you will likely receive once officially approved, making the outcome more reliable and functional compared to pre-qualification.

During pre-approval, your credit score and debt-to-income ratio will be assessed. The review process for pre-approved financing often takes longer than pre-qualified financing, as it may take several days. This hard inquiry can temporarily affect your credit score for a short period of time, but as a result, it can give you more power during negotiations. Pre-approval carries more weight than pre-qualification, as it shows that you are a serious buyer who has secured reliable financing with exact terms.

Steps of Pre-Approved Financing

1. Check Your Credit: Review your credit report and score. The lender will check your credit to assess your eligibility. A higher credit score can get you better loan terms.

2. Gather Documents: Prepare detailed financial documentation, including proof of income, employment history, your credit report and any existing debts.

3. Research Lenders: Look for lenders who offer pre-approval for auto loans and compare their requirements and terms.

4. Apply: Submit your application to one or more lenders, whether at a bank, credit union or online lender, to get pre-approved.

5. Review Your Conditional Offer: If the lender approves your application, they provide a pre-approval letter. This letter outlines the amount you are eligible to borrow, the interest rate, the loan term and any other conditions.

Benefits of Pre-Approved Financing

Knowing how much you can borrow helps you set a clear budget that will give you clarity while comparing offers from different lenders, ensuring you get the best possible interest rate and loan terms. A certified pre-owned car can be particularly useful from a financing perspective. They’re not as expensive as new cars but are still low mileage and on the newish side of the age curve. The higher value compared to other pre-owned vehicles means lenders may be more willing to offer favorable terms on your auto loan.

Pre-approval can also streamline negotiations with the car dealership. The process of finalizing your purchase at the dealership can be faster since much of the paperwork is already completed. Moreover, since you already have financing and a strict budget in place, the dealership will be less likely to try and upsell you, making purchasing a car less of a strenuous experience.

Not only can pre-approval expedite negotiations, but it can also elevate the possibility of negotiations going in your favor. Having pre-approved financing can give you more negotiating power with the dealer. It shows you are a serious buyer with funds secured and readily available. Having pre-approval tells the salespeople you aren’t wasting their time, making them more willing to compromise.

Because pre-approval is not approval, you still have the ability to shop around for a different lender. You can go to dealerships or other banks and see if they are willing to beat the rate and terms you are pre-approved for, potentially giving you a way into a better car loan.

Our Customer-Focused Financing Experts Work Hard to Help D.C. and Baltimore Residents Afford High-Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles

At Easterns Automotive, we’re on your side whether you have pre-approval or not. Our financing team can use our relationships with banks and financiers to help you secure a favorable car loan regardless of your credit score.

With us, “Your Job is Your Credit™”. We’ll work hard on your behalf to find the right loan for you so you can get your ideal car at a price you can live with. Browse our inventory or visit one of our dealerships and get help from a dedicated auto financing expert today.

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.