By Steven Symes 
As first covered on Backfire News, some car shoppers are starting to realize there’s a big “loophole” in the 25 percent tariff being levied against imported vehicles. It’s really a rather simple thing you might already know about but haven’t considered it in this light.
One foreign automaker announces some big investments into US manufacturing.
We’re talking, of course, about importing a car that’s 25 years old or older, paying only the 2.5 percent duty at port when it comes into the country. Not only are you getting something unique that isn’t loaded with huge touchscreens and stupid sensors squawking at you constantly, these classics are often far cheaper than new vehicles.
In a memo issued on April 2, the White House clarified the 25 percent tariff doesn’t apply to foreign-made vehicles that are 25 years or older. What a beautiful revelation that was!
Really, it’s a huge win in our book and is something we think more shoppers should consider. After all, wouldn’t you rather drive a Honda Kei truck instead of some nasty Audi crossover? And who needs a Range Rover when you could get a Euro-spec Mercedes E-Class from the 90s?
Those are just a few of the many possibilities this option opens up. While your friends and family are worrying they can’t get their cheap Mexican-assembled Volkswagen without a huge markup, you’ll be driving something classic and far cooler.
In economic situations like this, some people (even some economists) forget that substitution is absolutely an option many consumers will exercise.
Plus, this gives you the perfect excuse to buy that quirky “forbidden fruit” sold originally in another country but not here in the US. There will be more manual transmissions on the road again, meaning fewer distracted drivers, and car meets could become a whole lot more interesting.
Tariffs might be a huge boon to the collector car industry. Talk about finding a silver lining!
Image via Patrick Bryson/Facebook Marketplace