How to Protect Yourself When Buying or Selling a Used Car in Washington D.C. or Baltimore

Yong Lee • November 22, 2021
selling used car in Baltimore and Virginia

Get a Carfax Report


A Carfax report, even if it’s not a premium dealership report, will give you a lot of information about a vehicle. At the very least it will tell you:


  • The number of previous owners
  • Whether it has been in any reported accidents
  • The severity of those accidents


A Carfax report should also tell you if the vehicle has a salvage title. It’s best to know all this information before you exchange money and transfer the title, since at that point it might be too late to back out.


Ask for Maintenance and Repair Records


Ascertaining whether a vehicle has been well cared for is often a good idea when you’re buying it from a private seller. A vehicle with neglected maintenance might have a shortened life expectancy. It could even be on the verge of suffering catastrophic failures that will be expensive to repair.


If the seller has no records of maintenance or they aren’t forthcoming about the vehicle’s maintenance history, you might want to find a different vehicle.


Alternatively, you can request to take the vehicle to a mechanic you know and trust. Having a professional assessment might ease your concerns.


Be Careful When Scheduling Meetups


Whether you’re buying a car from a private seller or trying to sell your own vehicle, you’ll eventually need to meet up with the other party in your transaction.


There are risks at multiple points in the private car buying or car selling process, but this step is the only one that includes a serious risk for potential physical harm. Vehicles are valuable, and there are robbers who prey on people who are selling their vehicles through an online marketplace.


  • Never invite a potential car buyer or seller to your home
  • Agree to meet somewhere public during the day
  • Try to meet in a place that is covered by security cameras in case they do try to steal your car or rob you
  • Don’t go to meet someone alone
  • See if there’s a safe exchange zone near you


What’s a Safe Exchange Zone?


Online sales are becoming popular enough that they’re now a public safety concern for law enforcement. Too many online marketplace buyers and sellers were being assaulted or robbed when meeting people to exchange goods for cash, so police departments began establishing “Safe Exchange Zones.”


You can find Baltimore’s Safe Exchange Zones here and Washington D.C.’s Safe Exchange Zones here.


Many people who list their vehicles online or shop for vehicles through online listing services are genuinely looking for a fair and honest exchange. Unfortunately, the small percentage of unscrupulous people who are looking to take advantage of others make the process inherently risky.


You don’t have that problem with a reputable dealer like Easterns Automotive Group and DierctCarBuying.com.


Counterfeiters and Check Bouncers Sometimes Target Car Sellers


If you’re accepting cash for a private vehicle sale, make sure you check each bill thoroughly to confirm none are counterfeit. You can take a money order or even a check if you’re at a financial institution where its validity can be immediately verified before you sign over the title.


Get All Your Documents in Writing


You should never base any exchange of money or a vehicle’s title solely on a verbal commitment. You can learn all about title transfers and the other forms you’ll need to legally transfer ownership in one of our previous blogs.   


You should also be on the lookout for fraud if you’re buying a vehicle. Double check to make sure the title is legitimate and that the owner listed on the title is the person you’re dealing with. Also confirm you’re not getting a salvage title. Lastly, don’t forget to compare the VIN on title to the VIN printed on the vehicle’s dashboard.


As far as the law is concerned, the seller of the vehicle is the owner until the title has been formally transferred. Then you’ll need to get the vehicle registered before you can legally use it on Washington D.C., Maryland or Virginia streets.


Not everyone who attempts to buy or sell a vehicle through private channels is aware of the many steps involved in the title transfer and vehicle registration process. At DirectCarBuying.com, our team will perform most of the paperwork to ensure the entire transaction is legal, fast and easy.


Get a Fair Price and a Safe Car Selling Experience in Washington D.C. or Baltimore



You don’t need to worry about any of the risks associated with private vehicle sales if you sell your car, truck or SUV to a reputable car buyer like DirectCarBuying.com. As part of the Easterns Automotive family, we’ve been operating in the DMV and Baltimore for several decades.


We’ve gained a loyal customer base by treating each car buyer or car seller with the utmost respect and fairness.


Instead of assuming the risks of a private sale, let DirectCarBuying.com buy your vehicle for a great price. Call us at 877-927-6093 for more information or click our Buy My Car button to get started. 


GMC truck

How General Motors Is Converting to Electric Vehicles

By Yong Lee • June 5, 2023
Whether you’re running errands or commuting to work, you have probably noticed the increased presence of electric cars on the road. Despite the recent coronavirus pandemic, electric car sales have been on the rise. Just last year, global sales rose by 43%, which equates to more than three million electric cars sold in 2020.  Even the steep prices of some electric vehicles have not deterred people from giving them a go. The technology behind these vehicles seems to justify and outweigh their higher purchase cost. After all, electric cars are extremely quiet, generate no pollution and have no gas fuel costs. The latter means that buyers save money they would otherwise spend on gas. As the world continues to move toward a safer and greener future, the goal of the automotive industry is to spearhead this movement by producing millions of electric vehicles, with vehicle options for every type of person and business. GM Is on Its Way to an All-Electric Future General Motors, one of the manufacturers trying to lead the charge in electric vehicle technology, is committed to releasing 30 new global electric vehicles by 2025. GM is shaping up to be one of the trailblazers in designing, engineering and producing EVs for every style and customer. The company is building a competitive advantage in batteries, software, vehicle integration, manufacturing and customer experience. The Detroit automaker has adopted a bold all-or-nothing strategy. GM has set an ambitious target to completely phase out gas and diesel engines for all light-duty vehicles by 2035. Additionally, 2035 will also be the year when GM goes completely carbon neutral at all facilities worldwide. GM’s Ultium Batteries and Platform GM’s focus on innovation and efficiency may be what sets them apart from competitors. The manufacturer’s Ultium batteries are big step forward in the EV industry. These large-format, pouch-style batteries can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. This can significantly optimize battery energy storage and layout for different vehicles, such as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. The battery packs can house six, eight, 10, 12 or up to 24 modules depending on what the vehicle type requires. This grants more freedom in the product design process. With no need to design around gas tanks, engines, radiators or exhaust pipes, the Ultium battery packs can be arranged to optimize the vehicle’s design, comfort, quality of driving and storage. Moreover, Ultium energy options range from 50 to 200 kWh, which could enable an estimated range of up to 400 miles or more on a full charge and 0 to 60 mph acceleration in as little as 3 seconds. As GM further improves their Ultium battery solution, vehicles manufactured with them will be increasingly efficient, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and benefit from prolonged battery life. GM Fleet GM’s plans to go all electric include enticing businesses to transition from traditional fleet vehicles to electric vehicles only. No matter their size or segment, GM promises businesses many benefits to investing in their products: Versatile electric vehicles for any business segment Front, rear and all-wheel drive options Low battery costs Outstanding vehicle performance GM’s multi-faceted strategy emphasizes cost efficiency. As long as electricity continues to be more affordable than fossil fuels, electric fleet vehicles that boast adequate range will become increasingly appealing. Shop for Used Electric Vehicles at Easterns Automotive Group Have you considered test driving an EV to see what the hype is all about? Or maybe you’ve already made the decision to transition from a fuel-powered vehicle to an electric-powered car? Whether you’re just curious or are resolute in your decision, Easterns Automotive offers a diverse array of used electric and hybrid cars for you to explore. If you’re in Maryland, Virginia or the DMV, call us at call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations.
electric pickup truck

What You Need to Know About Electric Pickup Trucks

By Yong Lee • June 5, 2023
Pickup trucks are an American staple. Other than their perceived magnificence and cultural significance, there are several reasons why so many people choose them over regular cars. Pickup trucks are perfect for hauling large objects, like furniture, lumber or heavy tools. They make driving in the snow a not-so-nerve-racking experience and, thanks to the generous ground clearance and optional four-wheel drive, pickup trucks are go-to vehicles for off-roading. Because of their all-encompassing functionality, quality-built pickup trucks don’t depreciate as much as other vehicles and, if cared for, retain their value for many years. However, with rising gas prices and more urban living, many people are ditching their beloved pickups for smaller and more affordable vehicles. Is it possible to have your cake and eat it too? The answer might lie in the electric pickup truck. While it retains the functionality of a traditional pickup, the electric truck relies on a rechargeable battery to power it, making it an environmentally friendly and money-saving alternative. If you’re looking to purchase an electric pickup truck, or another electric vehicle, there are several things to consider. What Is the Future of Electric Pickup Trucks? As the auto industry heads toward an all-electric future, automakers are taking the plunge and launching their own electric pickup truck models. While the release details of many models are currently somewhat vague, there is talk of seven brand-new models hitting the auto market within the next few years. Ford, Chevrolet, GMC Hummer and Tesla are trailblazers in the electric pickup truck revolution, but other lesser-known manufacturers like Bollinger and Rivian are also coming up with their own designs. Appearance-wise, electric pickup trucks will range from traditional and mainstream looking, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, to futuristic-looking, like the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck. Will Electric Pickup Trucks Be as Powerful as Traditional Trucks? Since hauling and towing power are fundamental features of a truck, many buyers may be skeptical to give electric variants a chance. Because so many people buy trucks for work, they want to make sure their vehicles are powerful, reliable and can get the work done without requiring an inconvenient mid-day charge. Electric pickup trucks are supposed to be equipped with large battery packs with a 200-to-500-mile range depending on the make and model. This means you can drive your truck for hours before running out of electricity. How Much Will Electric Pickup Trucks Cost? Another perceived barrier to electric pickup trucks is their cost. While electric vehicles do tend to be pricier than regular cars, their costs are likely to go down. This is largely due to the cost of electric car batteries going down, which constitutes almost half of the price of an electric vehicle. The tentative base prices for the seven upcoming models range from $40,000 for the Tesla Cybertruck to $125,000 for the Bollinger B2. The average base price for an electric pickup truck is estimated at $67,000. However, these prices are likely to drop within the next six years. Will Electric Pickup Trucks Make Good Commercial Vehicles? The short answer is yes, they will. Commercial use of pickups comes with many incentives. Work trucks are often used as commercial vehicles. Their often-predetermined routes will make it easy for drivers to locate charging stations and incorporate them into their busy schedules. Their generous mile range will allow them to drive for at least a day, if not longer, without recharging the vehicle’s battery. Commercial use of electric pickup trucks also comes with a tax credit because of their emission-free status. Shop for Used Electric Vehicles at Direct Car Buying If you’re thinking about purchasing an electric pickup truck or an electric vehicle but are not sure where to start your search, Direct Car Buying offers you a pressure-free introduction. We offer a diverse array of used electric and hybrid cars for you to explore, and we make it easy for you to sell your electric or hybrid vehicle fast and for a great price. If you’re in Maryland, Virginia or the DMV, call us at call us at (877) 867-0641 or visit one of our dealership locations.

The Future of Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Washington, DC and Baltimore

By Yong Lee • June 5, 2023
In 2016, hybrid (HEV) and electric vehicles (EV) accounted for just one percent of all the vehicles sold worldwide. The industry estimates that by 2025 about 30 percent of all vehicles sold will be EVs and HEVs. Global sales for electric vehicles were up to 3.27 million as of 2019, and are expected to reach about 27 million by 2030. The rapid growth of electric and hybrid vehicle popularity is considered by many in the industry to be a cataclysmic shift in the auto market. Government incentives, pollution regulations and the affordability of electricity as a fuel source are driving rapid EV adoption. Auto Makers Committing to EV and HEV In January 2021, General Motors made history by being the first major U.S. manufacturer to make a total commitment to EV. Their goal is to eliminate gasoline and diesel car, van and SUV production by 2035. GM also wants to be a carbon neutral company by 2040. This switch will require a projected $27 billion investment into EV technologies and products between 2020 and 2025. At their current rate of change, GM is projecting that about 40 percent of their new vehicles will be pure EV by the end of 2025. Many other manufacturers are committing huge sums of money into electrifying existing and future models. Volkswagen has plans for roughly 70 EV models by 2030 and aims to increase EV production to 22 million with a $33 billion investment. Ford, already a leader in the HEV and EV market, will have spent $11.5 billion on new EVs by the end of 2022. One of President Joe Biden’s first actions in office was an order for the federal government’s fleet of roughly 645,000 vehicles to be converted to HEVs or replaced with EVs. Making that happen isn’t as easy as signing an order, but the symbolic gesture is an indication of where his administration wants to go. Consider the Postal Service, which accounts for about 228,000 of those vehicles . The average age of a Postal Service truck is an astonishing 28 years, and the agency spends about $2 billion a year on maintenance. The new Postal Service truck design released in February 2021 isn’t completely electric, but the trucks are designed to be retrofitted for total EV in the future. Maryland Is Outpacing Virginia in EV Adoption The electric vehicle use rate in Virginia is still less than two percent, in large part due to a limited inventory of EVs and HEVs on new and used vehicle lots and a lack of purchasing incentives. Maryland, on the other hand, was offering a limited quantity of $3,000 state excise tax credits for the purchase of a plug-in EV. The only problem is that money ran out in June 2020. There’s currently a local state bill, the Clean Cars Act of 2021 (HB 44), to extend $26 million worth of EV and HEV purchase credits per year through 2023. The new Clean Cars Act would offer a $3,000 tax credit for plug-in or fuel cell EVs and a $1,500 tax credit for plug-in HEVs (with a minimum battery capacity of 5 kilowatt-hours). The legislation also includes $1.8 million per year in rebates for people and businesses that install Electrical Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE). Is There Really Any Cost Savings for Drivers with an HEV or EV? Absolutely – a 2018 University of Michigan study found that the average cost of powering an EV vehicle in the United States is only $485 a year compared to $1,117 for gasoline powered vehicles. Fuel costs in the United States have vacillated wildly over the past 15 years, ranging from $1.50 to $4.00 a gallon. During that period EV drivers were paying about $1.20 on average for a gallons-worth of distance. Can You Find Pre-Owned Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Baltimore and Washington D.C.? Yes, you can browse Easterns Automotive’s diverse selection of EVs and HEVs here . EVs and HEVs represent the inevitable future of vehicle ownership. Based on some loose climate goals, 90 percent of the nation’s vehicles should be electric by 2050. None of these mandates or estimates are codified in permanent laws, but there’s no telling what types of EV and HEV regulations or requirements will be passed over the next 10 to 20 years. There’s nothing to stop you from getting an electric or hybrid electric vehicle today and cutting your fuel costs in half. Depending on where you live you may also qualify for tax credits or other purchasing incentives. Call your nearest Easterns Automotive location at (877) 867-3613 to learn about pre-owned electric and hybrid electric vehicles for sale near you .