Used Cars You Should Buy To Dodge Trump Tariffs And Save Money

Tariffs are on everyone's minds these days, and one industry already impacted by them is the auto industry. The shutdown of a GM auto plant in Ingersoll, ON, Canada and the layoff of 450 Canadian auto workers — as well as the layoff of 900 U.S. auto workers across five Stellantis plants — highlights the impact of President Trump's tariffs on several goods from Canada. Not to mention, how broader tariffs can and will impact cars from other countries.

Ultimately, Trump's tariffs have made it a bad time to buy a new car. According to Axios, the average cost of a new vehicle, as of December 2024 was $48,724, with tariffs only guaranteed to make that number significantly higher — not to mention just how significant car depreciation can be. However, as new car prices continue to soar, the prospect of saving thousands of dollars – and dodging the impacts of Trump's tariffs at the same time — by purchasing a used vehicle could be more appealing than ever for consumers. Luckily, an April 2025 report from Consumer Reports presented some of the best used car options available for consumers.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the median household income in the U.S. was $80,610 in 2023. At the same time, the Credit Counselling Society suggests that no more than 15% to 20% of your income should go towards transportation. When you consider that the cost of vehicles in the last quarter of 2024 were approaching $50,000 — without the impact of tariffs — it's clear that a used car could be the way to go. Otherwise, it's difficult to see how spending 62% of a median American household's income on a vehicle is a sensible, let alone financially doable decision.

That's why buying a used car like the 2016 Mazda 6 can save you money. Kelley Blue Book even ranked the vehicle as the No. 2 Best Mid-Size Car of 2016. Consumer reviews for the Mazda 6 include the fact that 88% of people would recommend the vehicle, with current prices between $10,000 to just under $13,000 for these fuel efficient models getting 32 miles per gallon. This vehicle also includes radar assisted cruise control, automatic braking, and can seat up to five people comfortably, while still hugging corners like a dream.

According to MoneyGeek, the average price of SUVs varies depending on size. On the smaller end of SUVs is the subcompact, which in 2024, averaged $30,000. Meanwhile, brand new full-sized SUVs averaged $76,500 in 2024. Factoring in tariffs means you can expect significantly more if you try to purchase a brand new SUV in 2025. On the other hand, per Kelly Blue Book, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 retails between $13,638 for a Sport SUV, to $15,367 for a Grand Touring model. At less than half the average cost of a new SUV on the low end, and around one fifth the average cost of an SUV on the higher end, the Mazda CX-5 could be a great buy for your budget.

Consumer reviews on Kelly Blue Book give the Mazda CX-5 an 88% recommendation, scoring highest for the style of the vehicle, reliability, value, and performance. Plus, consumers noted a relatively quiet ride in the cabin, blind spot and rear stop traffic warning system, and automatic braking, make its slightly difficult to master infotainment system worth overlooking.

In the truck category, the 2015 Toyota Tacoma offers four-wheel drive and a decent V6 engine for on and off road experiences, even if the seating situation makes these trucks more ideal for shorter drivers. Safety wise, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), this pick-up truck gets an across the board 'Good' rating  that lowers the probability of injury from impact for head, neck, legs, and chest.

Aside from safety, the price of this truck can also offer a sense of security. According to Kelly Blue Book, the Tacoma ranges from $13,038 on the low end to $23,001 at the high end — based on whether you purchase the standard cab size or the double cab. That said, the 2015 Toyota Tacoma offers you the benefit of a classic pick-up truck that does the job with a sticker price anywhere from 20% to 46% less than even the cheapest brand new pick-up trucks.