NEW YORK (sbup) — People across the world have watched in shock and dismay as the twin natural disasters that occurred in Japan left much of the nation in turmoil. But the earthquake and tsunami that roiled Japan didn’t just hurt the country on a physical and emotional basis, it hurt the country on a financial one too.

Exhibit A: The Japanese auto industry, and what it might mean for American car buyers.

Most industry experts say that, for starters, Japan will be producing fewer cars and trucks in the coming months. But since inventories are low, prices for new vehicles shouldn't go up much.

“If you had any intention of buying a vehicle in the next few months, there is no downside to buying now — and plenty of possible upside,” says Edmunds CEO Jeremy Anwyl. “It seems safe to say that prices aren’t going down, and supply isn’t going up.”

Anwyl points to a recent piece written by Edmunds.com chief economist Lacey Plache in USA Today, who went public with inside discussions executives that have taken place in recent weeks.

Here, from Anwyl and Plache, are the key points impacting consumers as a result of the earthquake/tsunami disaster:

• Expect to have fewer vehicle choices. With inventory low, even temporarily, that leaves fewer cars and trucks on the market. Some big Japanese automakers, like Toyota (Stock Quote: TM) and Honda (Stock Quote: HMC), have closed down plants and slowed production in other locations.
• Pricing won’t be the big issue. Yes, any crimps in supply should drive prices upward – that’s a basic law of economics—but maybe they won’t in this case. “Think about this from a manufacturer's perspective,” says Anwyl. “Dealers raising prices on Japanese-sourced models will push less brand-committed shoppers to other vehicles. For example, if prices on the Toyota Camry firm up, some buyers will shop Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion (Stock Quote: F).” An internal review by Edmunds shows no price hikes on Japanese vehicles.
• Expect a shortage of parts  - Japan isn’t just a car-building powerhouse, it makes parts, too. With supply lines down, or severely restricted, certain vehicle parts won’t be coming to an auto repair shop near you. That could mean delays in cars and trucks being fixed or maintained.
• If you’re shopping for a new car, prepare for dealer “tricks.” – While manufacturers may not be upping the price of their vehicles, dealers might try to pull a fast one on you. To make sure that a dealer isn’t jacking up the price of a new car, using Japan’s devastation as an excuse, make sure to thoroughly price shop the competition. Websites like Edmunds (try its price comparison tool, True Market Value) and Kelly Blue Book both offer good resources for auto shoppers.

Also expect some delivery delays on a new Japanese vehicle that you’ve purchased or ordered. Keep in close contact with the dealer so you’ll know if a delivery will be a lengthy one.

All in all, auto industry insiders feel that Japanese automakers took quite a blow from the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country. But most automakers say that the plants that have been closed will be opened again by late March, and that should further help to minimize any significant impact on the auto buying public.

Here’s hoping that’s true – and that Japan regains its stability economically and emotionally –as soon as possible.

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