Why Choosing the Right Car Matters More Than Ever

“If you have to buy a car now, the best way to take the edge off the chaos of tariffs is to choose a safe, reliable, and satisfying model that will last a long time and have a high resale value,” says Jake Fisher, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center. “Paying more for a reliable car might prove to be a better deal than buying a discounted, less-reliable one that will cost you more over time.”

At this moment, buyers should still think about the long term. “If you’re already paying more for a new or used car, you might as well get your money’s worth,” says Fisher. The best way to do this is to start with our list of Recommended vehicles at CR.org/cars. Once you’ve found the right car, follow our dos and don’ts below to get a good deal. The advice there applies even as prices go up. Remember: While new car prices are expected to increase, used car values will likely follow. That means your trade-in may also be worth more and help offset some of those new-car price hikes.