This isn’t meant to be political—just looking for financial advice. How much do you think Trump’s proposed tariffs could impact the car market, especially for foreign brands like Toyota or Honda?
I’m thinking about buying a new car and need to decide whether to act now or wait. I’ve already accepted the so-called Toyota tax (dealer markups), but I’m not sure I’m ready to pay an extra 10–20% if tariffs are imposed.
Since some Toyotas are made here, would those models avoid tariffs?
People forget ‘Made in USA’ often just means assembled here. Many parts are imported, so those could face higher costs if tariffs are enacted.
If tariffs are implemented, expect prices to rise across the board—new, used, and for parts. Toyota reportedly doesn’t plan to move its plant from Mexico, so models like the Tacoma could be affected.
I’m debating whether to keep my older Tundra or trade for a newer one to avoid potential future maintenance costs and get better fuel economy. Of course, there’s always a chance the tariffs get walked back, but the only certainty is unpredictability.
Camrys made in Kentucky and Corollas/Cross from Mississippi/Alabama might be less impacted than Tacomas built in Mexico.
What model are you eyeing?
Fitz said:
Camrys made in Kentucky and Corollas/Cross from Mississippi/Alabama might be less impacted than Tacomas built in Mexico.
What model are you eyeing?
The Tacoma or Tundra. 
@scofield
The Tundra is built in Texas.
Which Toyota are you considering? Many are made in the US now. I’d suggest acting sooner rather than later.
Tariffs likely wouldn’t apply to vehicles built in the US. However, imported parts used in those vehicles could be affected.
lorenza said:
Tariffs likely wouldn’t apply to vehicles built in the US. However, imported parts used in those vehicles could be affected.
Higher costs for parts could impact maintenance, repair costs, and even insurance premiums.
Hard to predict, but parts and cars with significant foreign components could become more expensive. What’s your target model?
Some dealers still sell at MSRP or close to it, so shop around. For Tacomas (built in Mexico), tariffs could have more impact than on US-assembled models like the Tundra.
@Lex
I’ll keep searching for better prices. I’m looking at either a Tacoma or a Tundra. I’m in Georgia, and trucks—especially Toyotas—sell fast here. Dealers aren’t too willing to negotiate because someone else will pay full price.
@scofield
You might need to look outside your local area. Unfortunately, demand in places like Georgia drives up markups, especially on sought-after models like Tacomas.
Tacoma: built in Mexico. Tundra: built in Texas, with US-made transmission and engine.
Camry and Honda Accord often top the domestic parts content list for cars.
Tariffs would likely increase prices through:
History shows that protectionist policies tend to raise costs across the market.
Trump’s tariffs often sound bigger than they turn out to be. In 2016, he talked about a 40% tariff on China, but it was much smaller and excluded many consumer goods.
There won’t be universal tariffs. Japan is a respected trade partner and likely won’t face the same restrictions. Mexico, however, may be a different story.
We’ll only know the impact once it happens.
He hasn’t threatened tariffs on Japan or Korea, so prices on their imports might not change.
Drake said:
He hasn’t threatened tariffs on Japan or Korea, so prices on their imports might not change.
Tacomas are built in Mexico.
Drake said:
He hasn’t threatened tariffs on Japan or Korea, so prices on their imports might not change.
Any parts manufactured in China—like electronics, plastics, and LED components—could see a 25–60% cost increase.