Import Cars Tariff 25% soon...

Post by **cn90** » 29 Mar 2025, 09:46

Since we drive Volvos...

With import cars (and some car parts) tariff of 25% starting soon, are you guys stocking up parts for the near future?

While I cannot predict what parts I will need next year, I am thinking any parts I need for 2025-2026, I should stock them now (oil filters, spark plugs, brake rotors/pads etc)...

What do you smart ppl think?

PS: FCPEuro, rmeuropean, autohausaz etc may see a surge in business, then a drop?

Post by **vtl** » 29 Mar 2025, 15:12

I'm stocking popcorn. With $500+B imports from US, EU can play this game, too.

Post by **abscate** » 30 Mar 2025, 04:17

It’s so chaotic with tariffs that I don’t think rational decision is possible on this, but thanks for bringing this up.

Tariff is paid on the import price, not the retail, so if a retailer raises prices by the tariff price rate on retail, take your business elsewhere. Markup on parts isn’t that much so we will feel it on parts, though

My new to me XC90 has me thinking to order a full set of brake stuff for all four corners since thst is in the cards in the next four years. I don’t mind carrying parts inventory even with FCP just around the corner as it lets me schedule jobs in a week, and worst at case , my indie here on Long Island gladly installs my parts. I offer to pay markup amd he declines , saying I save him time parts hunting , and always use OEM , which install in a breeze.

I already have full sets of calipers rotors and shoes for the P80 fleet.

Post by **scot850** » 30 Mar 2025, 05:23

If this happens, prices for parts here in Canada will 100% make purchasing out of the US unaffordable.

That is a pity as it could affect all parts suppliers that ship Internationally from the US. I feel for you guys.

Neil.

Post by **Krons** » 30 Mar 2025, 08:37

abscate wrote: ↑30 Mar 2025, 04:17 It’s so chaotic with tariffs that I don’t think rational decision is possible on this, but thanks for bringing this up.

100% agree with this. Like early stages of COVID smart to stock up on what you need but not hoard. Chances are good this’ll all blow over in weeks, but hard to tell.

As for new cars I’m thankful I’m content. In a month I’ll hand over my 08 S60 to my kid and his fiance, been shopping a bit for a replacement. While I don’t ‘need’ an extra car having two at 205k miles and one at 175k makes me think a spare to not be hurried would be good. Have an eye on a high mileage (220k) 06 XC90 2.5T that looks to be in good condition…but growing a little weary of wrenching so may look newer.

Post by **vtl** » 30 Mar 2025, 09:20

25% increase is insignificant if you think how big Volvo "markup" we already pay or supposed to pay. For example, OE PCV kit for 2.5T is about $500 now (ouch...). I know, you can get that heated hose for twice cheaper from Gates, etc, but keep reading. OE PCV for my other vehicles is $8. Because it is just one valve that ever needs a replacement. Volvo valve body - $1500. Exact same valve body from GM, in a slightly different configuration - $600. Yeah, sure, they can go ahead and increase those $1500 to $1900.

Also for our 20+ years old cars OE parts are vanishing. For many of them you already have no choice but buy used, rebuilt or aftermarket. I bought a Dorman driveshaft the other day, for example. Primary motivation was I want a rebuildable driveshaft, but price-wise it was cheaper than Coloradodriveshaft's rebuilt one.

Anyways, tariffs hurt own economy. The next president hopefully is going to be better at how basic things work.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 30 Mar 2025, 21:36

To keep v70xc/xc70 on a road is expensive business. It makes no financial sense to keep those cars given their age and parts availability, unless you are admitted to the same "psych volvo unit" with the rest of us here. If you want to save money-buy from FCP when you need it(chances are you will need it again in 40k) but I would avoid buying lots of extra parts. Who knows what can happen tomorrow? Tariffs can be dropped, some inteligent person watching tesla stock on their phone can run into your car...

Post by **abscate** » 31 Mar 2025, 14:17

Well I bought rotors and pads and a new cooling group for the new to us XC90, $1000 all in.

I will use the cooling group this year as PM, and I like having rotors/pads on hand so I can decide to do a job on a weekend notice.

Just a confessional, I dont recommend this. I do believe this will blow over quickly as the USA IQ test comes to its quick result. Some of the responses by other countries are admirable in their targetting and messaging.

Post by **br0dy519** » 31 Mar 2025, 14:20

Vova585 wrote: ↑30 Mar 2025, 21:36 To keep v70xc/xc70 on a road is expensive business. It makes no financial sense to keep those cars given their age and parts availability, unless you are admitted to the same "psych volvo unit" with the rest of us here. If you want to save money-buy from FCP when you need it(chances are you will need it again in 40k) but I would avoid buying lots of extra parts. Who knows what can happen tomorrow? Tariffs can be dropped, some inteligent person watching tesla stock on their phone can run into your car...

Agreed... how many times I'm in the driveway calling out to the sky "WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF?"

XC70Rider · Post by **XC70Rider** » 31 Mar 2025, 20:41

I just ordered a Wahler Thermostat from FCPEURO. That thermostat, water pump, spark plugs, PS pump, alternator, IGN coiis, Haldex damper, Haldex oil pump, ETM, brake vacuum pump and lots of other parts are lifetime warrantied with them. The Duralast ceramic brake pads are lifetime warrantied at Autozone. I threw on new ATE calipers made for 17" wheels 6 years ago. Only brake parts I could stock up now are the discs. Won't need a timing belt kit for another 50k miles so I'll hold off on buying one.