Is Now the Smart Time to Buy a Vehicle- Before Tariffs Drive Up Prices?

If you’ve been thinking about buying a new or used vehicle, you’ve probably seen some buzz in the news from Donald Trump about automotive tariffs and how they could shake things up. Naturally, that leads to one big question:

“Should I buy now or wait?”

Here’s the thing: in times of uncertainty, waiting could actually cost you more before tariffs have a chance to push prices higher. Let’s break it down.

Why Waiting Could Cost You More

When tariffs take effect, several things could happen—none of them ideal for buyers:

• Vehicle prices increase as manufacturers face higher costs on imports and parts.

• Inventory shrinks as supply chains shift and manufacturers hold back.

• Financing rates adjust as lenders react to a more volatile market.

• Trade-in values shift, especially if demand drops or supply surges unexpectedly.

In short: the longer you wait, the more uncertain the picture becomes as supply and demand economics shift.

What Happens to Used Car Prices?

Tariffs don’t just impact new vehicles—they ripple through the entire market. Here’s how:

1. Higher New Car Prices = Pricier Used Cars

When new vehicle prices rise, more buyers turn to used vehicles. This drives up demand—and prices—on 1–3-year-old models, especially popular ones like SUVs, CUVs, and Trucks.

2. Fewer U.S. Imports

Tariffs could make it harder or more expensive to import used vehicles from the U.S., tightening supply and pushing Canadian used car prices even higher.

3. More Domestic Competition

With fewer cross-border opportunities, dealers may hang on to their used inventory longer, meaning more local competition for the same vehicles.

Bottom line: Whether you buy new or used, waiting might mean paying more.

Buy Canadian, Save Canadian

Looking for a silver lining? It’s this: Canadian-built vehicles may avoid the worst of tariff impacts. Potentially meaning pricing stability—and more peace of mind.

Here are some great Canadian-built options available at Go Auto right now:

• Honda CR-V & Civic – Alliston, Ontario

• Toyota RAV4 – Woodstock, Ontario

• Chrysler Pacifica & Jeep Compass – Windsor, Ontario

• Dodge Charger & Challenger – Brampton, Ontario

• Ford Edge & Lincoln Nautilus – Oakville, Ontario

• Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra (Light-duty) – Oshawa, Ontario

Buying Canadian might not only helps protect you from price hikes—it supports local jobs and keeps more money in our communities.

Do Your Research—Then Shop Smart

At Go Auto, we always recommend doing your homework. Learn how tariffs could impact prices, find out where vehicles are built, and compare your options.

When you’re informed, you’re empowered. And our team is here to help you make the smartest move—now or later.

Pre-Tariff Pricing at Go Auto

Right now, we have more than 14,000 pre-tariff vehicles in stock—meaning you can lock in today’s price before uncertainty hits.