Easterns Blog

Car shopping can be exciting yet nerve-wracking. Between financing and finding the perfect car to fit your lifestyle, there are a plethora of decisions you’ll be expected to make when buying a new or used vehicle.

A vehicle is a big purchase you’ll use on a daily basis and will ideally keep for several years (or more), which is why it’s so important to feel confident in your choice. While it never hurts to browse a vehicle inventory online or walk through a dealership lot to learn about your options, it’s important to determine the answers to some key questions before making a final purchase decision.

Does A Vehicle’s Practicality Matter?

Your next car is likely to serve a specific purpose, like getting you to work, hauling your kids to school and extracurricular activities or running errands. Think about what that purpose is and how you plan to use the vehicle when deciding what type of car is more practical.

• Will you be commuting to work or puttering around town?
• How much space will you need to transport family or equipment?
• Will you need to tow a boat or trailer? 
• Do you drive off-road?
• Are local streets narrow and traffic heavy?
• Will the vehicle need to fit in a garage or driveaway?
• Do you anticipate spending a lot of time in the car?

What Is Your Ideal Budget?

Most car buyers in DC, Maryland and Virginia will likely look at financing their vehicle purchases. Applying for an auto loan means you’ll be expected to make regular monthly payments on your new car. Make sure those monthly payments are within your budget.

We are all guilty of loving the latest and greatest cars on the market. Just remember that they aren’t the most wallet friendly. Unless you’re planning to put a sizeable down payment on your new car purchase, you may want to consider a used vehicle. Buying a used car can help minimize your monthly car payment and allow you to purchase a nicer model than you could otherwise afford buying new.

Oftentimes, if you buy from a dealership, you can expect the certified used car you purchase to be in near-showroom condition. Not only are you getting a quality vehicle that’s been serviced by the dealer but you’re getting it at a fraction of the price of a brand-new car.

Are You Planning to Trade-In Your Current Vehicle?

If you are ready to part with your car and upgrade to something more reliable, trading in your old vehicle is a way to take care of everything all at once. When you buy from a dealership, you can apply your trade-in toward the purchase of your new car. The more money you can put down, the better your interest rate and the less money you’ll need to take out on an auto loan.

The team at Easterns Automotive can provide you with a fast and fair trade-in quote if you decide to sell your current car or trade it in.

Would You Rather Buy or Lease the Vehicle?

When you purchase a vehicle to own, you are financing the entire cost of the car (minus any down payment or trade-in). When you lease a vehicle, you are paying for the duration you have the car and the mileage you put on it. 

If you’re not sure which route would work best for you, ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you drive a lot? Leased vehicles usually have a limit on how many miles you can drive within your lease term. If you go over that limit, you typically pay additional fees.
2. Do you anticipate any major life changes within the next couple of years? If you plan on growing your family, you may want to consider getting a vehicle that will work for you during those important life changes. There are often fees involved if you decide to terminate your lease early.
3. Do you take care of your car? When leasing a vehicle, you are expected to maintain it. If you return a leased car in bad shape, you may be charged additional fees.

Although most car shoppers typically associate leasing with new cars, some pre-owned dealerships, like Easterns Automotive, allow car shoppers to lease used vehicles. Contact our team to learn more about leasing a high-quality pre-owned car, truck or SUV.

Buy or Lease Your Next Vehicle at an Easterns Automotive Dealership in Washington D.C. or Baltimore

When you’re ready to buy or lease a pre-owned vehicle, Easterns is here to help. We make financing and leasing easy and offer fair trade-in values.

At Easterns Automotive, we strive to offer our customers a personalized car buying experience. Shop online, in person or both by browsing our inventory online or visiting one of our locations in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas.

Even if your credit is less than perfect, we are committed to finding you a great auto loan. Learn how we can help by calling us at 877-867-0641.