How Trump's Tariffs Will Affect Cheap Cars

On December 3, 2023, Kern and I decided to start this newsletter.

We started with three subscribers: Me, myself and Kern. 

We launched our first issue in the last week of December, a key date in the automotive sector. 

Then, this happened. 

One year later, we’ve got more than 2,500 subscribers and no signs of slowing down.

Thank you to every single one of you, and we hope to have your readership in 2025. 

Happy New Year!

Key Takeaways

Don’t have much time? Here’s the summary of what we’re talking about:

1. How Trump’s Tariffs Could Impact You: Cheap cars could cease to be, at least to some buyers, due to incoming Tariffs.

2. Evolving Car Trends: From iconic 1980s cars to new Texas inspection rules, the automotive world constantly shifts—buyers can now even import once-restricted models and explore some of the cheapest cars available.

3. Major Recalls & ‘Recall King’: Brands like BMW faced significant recalls in 2024, and one company earned the title of “Recall King,” underscoring how safety notices shaped the year.

4. Political & Urban Battles: Trump’s proposed tariffs could disproportionately affect cheaper cars, while San Francisco intensifies its push against car usage, prompting debates about the future of urban transportation.

5. Advice for Shoppers & DIYers: With a better delivery van alternative to the Chevy Express, tips on Jeep Wrangler reliability, and guidance on buying cars in January, the newsletter offers practical resources to close out the year.

NEWSBITES

Every week, we scour the web for the most essential news. Here’s what you need to know this week:

• These are the most important cars in the 80s. Do you agree?

• Cars in Texas won’t have to pass inspection starting January 1, but you still have to pay the inspection fee.

• You can now import these cars, and some are very tempting. 

• These are the cheapest cars you can buy right now! 

• This is the quickest Corvette ever

RECALLS

Let’s round out 2024 with these recall news.

• These are all the BMWs recalled in 2024

• The year’s biggest recalls include these brands. Is yours among them?

• This company takes the crown as “Recall King” of the year

Video of the week

I started following this YouTube channel when it had fewer than 20,000 subscribers.

It provides a great look into automotive Americana.

This video discusses why the original Ford Maverick is almost forgotten today!

IN THE KNOW

Trump’s tariff plan will hit cheap cars the hardest

We’ve all heard plenty of the incoming tariffs and how they could affect the products we buy.

There’s no denying the anxiety rising costs could produce.

At the same time, the uncertainty surrounding the topic also generates confusion, which is understandable when automakers are anxious. 

However, if they come into place, there’s one clear winner (or loser) when it comes to automotive tariffs.

Proportionally, cheaper cars will suffer the most, and that’s bad for future buyers. So, how much will it affect? This article answers that question and more. 

San Francisco’s war on cars intensifies

California is at the forefront of electrification, but its battle against vehicles doesn’t end there.

One city in particular wants to up the stakes and ban cars altogether. 

The idea makes sense to many.

Other cities in other countries have banned cars and increased urban mobility, proving that such an idea could be successful. However, not everyone agrees. 

The war on cars has intensified.

So has the number of people objecting to it, so much so that it’s borderline violent, as the following article explains. 

How one company has gone against the grain and won

Electrification, expensive SUVs, and larger vehicles are the trifecta dictating what most manufacturers produce.

Car companies firmly believe that this is the definite consumption pattern in the US.

However, one company doesn’t believe it has to be this way, and it has worked. 

Mazda has opposed many aspects, such as offering an electric vehicle, and this resistance comes from a clear mindset and determined leadership.

Electrification isn’t the only idea that Mazda rejects, and the link below dives deep into how this company gives drivers what they want. 

Are you interested in working with us? We reach thousands of people every week, and have consistently grown our audience in the past ten months.

Our newsletter aims at the knowledgeable gearhead and automotive novice alike. We’re a small, dynamic team with a versatile mindset.

So, if you want to work with a growing brand that takes pride in its work, contact us!

OUR THOUGHTS

This delivery van might be better than the Chevy Express

The Chevy Express has remained unchanged for years. As this article explains, there’s a simple reason for that. 

However, while people love the Express (and Savana), there’s another contender. 

Those looking for a reliable delivery van might look to another surprising brand for their next purchase. We certainly believe so. 

Read our article to find out why the Promaster is an excellent option. 

BEST AND WORST

What is the most reliable year for Jeep Wranglers?

We know many Wrangler fanatics among our readers, so this might be a controversial topic.

At the same time, we’ve had several of these, and we know how they break down and how much it costs to fix them. 

So, we decided to close out the year with the five most reliable Jeep Wrangler options.

There’s something for everyone, but perhaps the most important question is: Do you agree?

TIPS AND KNOW-HOW

Is January a good month to buy a car?

Though the car market has undergone significant change, some things remain constant.

One of them is how seasonal it can be. 

You might be tempted to buy a car in January, but before doing so, read the fine print. 

We close out this issue with our article about buying a car in January, which covers all the crucial aspects you should consider.

If you enjoyed it, please consider refering it to other readers by clicking the link below!