Tariffs have "a profound effect" on new car prices — but may boost value of your used car

Salon - Mar 22nd, 2025

The expiration of a month-long reprieve on a 25% tariff for Canadian and Mexican auto imports is poised to significantly increase U.S. car prices. This surge is compounded by President Trump’s recent tariffs on steel and aluminum. Joe Giranda, a sales director, predicts vehicle costs could rise by $4,000 to $10,000. Auto experts advise consumers planning to purchase a car to do so before these tariffs fully impact the market. Additionally, used car prices and auto parts are expected to climb, affecting both buyers and those maintaining existing vehicles.

These tariffs highlight the American dependency on car ownership due to limited public transportation options. With many households owning multiple vehicles, the rising costs could strain finances, prompting some to consider alternatives like car rentals. The gig economy offers flexible options through platforms like Turo. This situation encourages consumers to reassess their transportation needs and spending habits, exploring whether they can feasibly manage without owning a car, particularly in urban settings where public transit might be more viable.

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RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article effectively addresses a timely and relevant issue, providing insights into the potential impacts of tariffs on car prices. It presents a clear narrative and includes expert opinions, making it accessible to readers concerned about economic policy and consumer finance. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced presentation of perspectives and a broader range of sources to enhance its reliability. Greater transparency regarding the basis for predictions and potential conflicts of interest would also improve its credibility. Overall, while the article is informative and engaging, it could be strengthened by a more comprehensive exploration of the topic's complexities.

Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate depiction of the potential impacts of tariffs on car prices, citing specific figures such as a potential increase of $4,000 to $10,000 per vehicle. However, these figures are projections and require verification from multiple authoritative sources. The expiration of the reprieve on tariffs and the implementation of steel and aluminum tariffs are factual elements that align with broader economic reporting, but the exact impact on consumer prices remains speculative and should be confirmed with industry data. The article accurately reflects expert opinions, yet it should differentiate more clearly between expert predictions and established facts.

Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspective that tariffs will significantly increase car prices, which could be seen as a bias toward a negative economic outlook. While it includes advice from experts urging caution against panic buying, it does not explore alternative viewpoints or potential benefits of tariffs, such as their intended economic protections. The focus is heavily on consumer impact, without much discussion on the broader economic implications or possible counterarguments from tariff proponents.

Clarity

The article is generally clear, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the potential impacts of tariffs on car prices. The language is accessible, and the use of direct quotes from experts adds to the narrative's clarity. However, the article could improve clarity by better distinguishing between factual reporting and speculative analysis, particularly regarding the financial impact on consumers.

Source quality

The article references experts such as Joe Giranda and Melanie Musson but lacks detailed attribution for their expertise or affiliations beyond job titles. While these sources provide relevant insights, the article would benefit from a broader range of sources, including economists or trade analysts, to substantiate the claims. The reliance on a limited number of voices may affect the perceived reliability of the information.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the tariffs and their expected impact on car prices, but it lacks a detailed explanation of the methodology or data supporting the projected price increases. The basis for the experts' claims is not thoroughly disclosed, which could leave readers questioning the foundation of the predictions. Additionally, potential conflicts of interest, such as the experts' affiliations with the auto industry, are not addressed.