<prompt> Human: Background : I drive for Uber as a side gig hobby. I only do it when Ill make at least 30hour after expenses and cnn to make around 5000 this year just a guess . I bought a Honda pilot for 7600 a few months ago, this tax year, as a family car that I could drive for Uber, knowing it would need its timing belt replaced. I just had the timing belt done and it was about 800. I also have a 1995 jeep grand Cherokee as a family 3rd vehicle that I had been planning to sell for 2500 - 3000.Here is the question. If I keep driving the jeep instead of the pilot, so that the only miles I put on the pilot are business miles, can I write off the cost of the pilot and the repair of around 8400? If so, is it worth it?If I forgot to add in helpful info, let me know.  <response>: Uber drivers are better off almost always if they deduct the standard mileage rate. You can include detailing cleaning and car washes as added vehicle expenses. However if you use the standard mileage rate for a year, you cannot deduct your actual car expenses for that year. You cannot deduct depreciation, lease payments, maintenance and repairs, gasoline including gasoline taxes, oil, insurance, or vehicle registration fees.Here is what a popular turbotax forum answer says So in essence, there are two ways uber driver usually claim deductions. 1. Standard mileage deduction so based on your miles driven2. Itemized deductions which includes the 8,400 specific to your caseYour decision ultimately boils down to how many miles you drove. If you have a lot of miles highly unlikely since you prefaced by saying you only drive when surge hits, it may be better to just claim standard mileage deduction. If you have very little mileage such that your total deduction amount I believe its 0.52mile? You should check IRS rates to be sure, I am not up to date on this is lower than your current 8,400 itemized deduction then it might work in your favor to take option 2 when it comes to tax time. 