How to Save on a Car, Even If Prices Go Up Due to Tariffs

The experts at Consumer Reports say that, for almost any outcome, it will still be important to stick to established buying strategies: Be patient, be flexible, don’t make a purchase out of panic, and consider keeping the car you already own.

“It never pays to rush out and make a rash decision that you might regret,” says Jake Fisher, senior director of CR’s Auto Test Center. “Even if the tariffs are here to stay, in a short time, the value of your trade-in will increase too.”

If these tariffs end up being temporary, that may lead to other consequences for consumers: Buyers who rush into a purchase in the coming weeks may end up ultimately paying more than they would if tariffs are relaxed or eliminated in the future.

“It’s a very good time to not buy a car,” Fisher says. “Many of today’s cars will give you an incredible amount of trouble-free miles, especially if you own a model that CR recommends.”

Here’s how the tariffs are likely to work, how they may affect car sales, and how consumers can be smart about buying their next car.