Tariff chaos sends some drivers racing to buy, while others pump the brakes

With tariffs on cars, materials and parts threatening to send auto prices up, some shoppers are racing to lock in vehicles at pre-tariff prices. Others plan to drive their current rides into the ground.

Apr 10, 2025 - 19:33
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Tariff chaos sends some drivers racing to buy, while others pump the brakes
A pickup truck is raised for display at a car dealership in Alhambra, California, on March 27, 2025. After President Trump announced significant tariffs on imported vehicles and parts, automaker stocks fell sharply. But sales at dealerships rose, at least in the short-term, as buyers try to get ahead of the anticipated price spikes in the coming months.

With tariffs on cars, materials and parts threatening to send auto prices up, some shoppers are racing to lock in vehicles at pre-tariff prices. Others plan to drive their current rides into the ground.

(Image credit: Frederic J. Brown)