Trump's auto tariffs could make owning a car more expensive

Even if you’re not in the market for a new car, US President Donald Trump’s $50 tariffs on auto imports could make owning one more expensive.

- 

The new taxes, which are set to begin April 3 and expand in the following weeks, are estimated to raise the average cost of a car imported from another country by thousands of dollars. But repairs for vehicles that currently use foreign made parts are also expected to get pricier - and, as a result, the insurance costs will further down the road.

While the White House says these tariffs will foster domestic manufacturing and raise $150 billion in revenue annually, opponents stress that straining the auto industry’s global supply chain brings significant disruptions. Dealerships and car repair shops will likely have little choice but to raise prices - leading drivers across the country to pay more for everyday maintenance.

Here’s what you need to know:

It depends on what you need fixed and where you go in to get your car serviced. But some analysts worry that drivers could see some jump in car early in the coming weeks or months.

“If you are bringing your car to get repaired, chances are, it’s going to have a part that comes from another country,” said Jessica Coldwell, head of insights at auto-buying resource Edmunds. “That price that you pay is likely going to be directly affected by the increase from these tariffs.”