The Trump administration's unpredictable tariffs have thrown the auto industry into chaos, and car buyers are feeling the pressure. With a 25% tariff on vehicles assembled outside of the United States looming, consumers are rushing to dealerships to lock in deals before prices potentially skyrocket. This sudden surge in demand has led to a depletion of inventory, with new vehicle sales surging 17.2% in March, according to data from Cox Automotive.

The uncertainty surrounding the tariffs has created a sense of urgency among car buyers, who are worried that prices will increase if they wait too long. Andrew Neuberger, an Atlanta-area resident, had been planning to hold onto his current car for another year or two, but the tariff situation prompted him to accelerate his purchase plans. "I wasn't planning on getting rid of the car for at least another year or two," he said. "But as soon as I heard about the tariff situation, I started to consider accelerating things just due to the uncertainty of it."

Neuberger's story is not an isolated one. Many car buyers are taking advantage of current prices, fearing that they may not be able to afford their desired vehicle if tariffs are imposed. John Osborn, who had been searching for a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, decided to move quickly and settle for his second-choice color rather than wait indefinitely for the perfect spec to become available. "Tariffs made it look like prices were going to go up, so I decided to move quickly," he said.

The rush to buy has also affected electric vehicle sales, which were up 11.4% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Used car sales have also seen a significant increase, with a 12.2% year-over-year growth. Dealerships are seeing an uptick in buyer interest and motivation, with some dealers taking advantage of the situation by raising prices even on cars that were imported before the tariff was announced.

Experts warn that the situation is likely to get worse for car buyers. Tom McParland, owner and operator of Automatch Consulting, which helps people find and negotiate car purchases, fears that other incentives, such as cash-back offers or special financing rates, may disappear as manufacturers try to offset the increased cost of imported models. "Deals are expiring rapidly," he said.

McParland advises car buyers to be flexible and act quickly if they find an acceptable deal. "Don't step over a fair deal waiting for a better one," he said. He also warns that those who have placed overseas orders for their desired vehicle may be in for a surprise if they haven't locked in their price. "You'd better call your dealer if you haven't already and make sure that the price you negotiated is locked in," he said.

The Trump tariff situation has created a perfect storm for the auto industry, with manufacturers, dealerships, and consumers all feeling the pressure. As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: car buyers who wait too long may find themselves facing higher prices and limited options.