Affordable compact cars could be first to see rising prices from tariffs

[Zorro]

The Trump administration’s 25 percent tariffs are likely to lift costs for virtually every car, analysts say, but popular brands like Toyota, Honda and Subaru are among the most vulnerable.

Car costs, which have already spiked 20 percent since the pandemic, are expected to get another jolt in coming weeks, with the Trump administration’s newest proposed tariffs likely to add thousands of dollars to manufacturers’ sticker prices.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced 25 percent tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts beginning April 3, a move meant to “protect America’s automobile industry” by encouraging more domestic production. About half of the cars sold in the United States last year were imported, and virtually all contained at least some foreign-made parts.

It’s unclear exactly how and when prices will start ticking up, but analysts say brands such as Lexus, Toyota, Honda and Subaru are likely to be among the first to face higher costs because they have the smallest stockpiles of cars already in the U.S.

“We’re going to start seeing prices rise almost immediately,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive, who expects an average markup of $6,000 per car. “Some of the most affordable vehicles — compact SUVs, for example — are made outside the country, so they’re going to be the most vulnerable.”

https://wapo.st/41LWi3c

And...Trump and the Republicans will somehow find a way to blame Biden and the Democrats...

[GoreWon2000]

1. tRump's lack of auto industry knowledge knows no bounds

Nissan will also be hard hit because the Versa, Sentra and Kicks which are their most affordable models, are all built in Mexico. In addition, most U.S. built vehicles contain parts made overseas. tRump is too stupid to know this. All vehicle prices will go up by thousands because of tRump's stupidity. I really feel for anyone who'll need to by a new vehicle in the next 4 years. tRump's tariffs will kill the auto industry.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. I heard a guy say this week, 3 month wait for Toyotas.

No vehicles on the lot to see.

[NickB79]

3. I bought a base model Ford Maverick compact truck last summer

Made in Mexico. Base price is $24,000, making it one of the cheapest new vehicles in the US. Added the $1500 hybrid upgrade so I get 40 mpg vs 25 (totally worth it), and a tow hitch for my small trailer and little fishing boat. I can haul all the firewood, lumber, compost, mulch and rock I need to run my hobby farm, or bring home a deer during hunting season. Gave my Prius to my mother-in-law to use after her car got totalled in an accident last fall. Was hoping to get it back so my daughter can drive it when she turns 16 next spring.

The Ford Maverick Facebook page I'm on is losing their shit now because the price will go up by thousands of dollars.

[shanti]

4. But wait

Doesn't China have an electric car in the works for $11,000? Who wouldn't want a Chinese vehicle? /s

[Comrade Citizen]

5. The only cheap cars left

Last week, local dealers had only 2 models available for under $20k new - Nissan Versa and VW Jetta.
For $20-21k there were 2025 Nissan Sentras and new 2024 VW Taos suvs available.
All are made in Mexico. All have increased in price $2k since last week.
I should have bought that $19,500 2025 VW Jetta.