Trump tariffs drive demand for secondhand cars in the US

Used Car Prices Surge Amid Tariff Fears and Inventory Shortages

A small Virginia dealership is seeing record-breaking sales as used car demand spikes nationwide. With higher tariffs on imported vehicles and parts—25% on most models—buyers are rushing to secure affordable options before prices climb further. Platinum Auto Sales reports selling 300 cars in a single month, far above their usual summer average. Experts warn that as trade-ins dwindle and Americans hold onto their vehicles longer, the secondhand market is tightening, driving prices up and inventory down.

 

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.