I would think “parts”, since they are new would be taxable, but not labor but we don’t know if services are taxable yet. Boy you have some low auto repair costs, we have three cars too, My son’s 2005 Mustang we bought new, my wife’s POS 2003 Golf bought new and my 2000 Suburban also bought new. Every time they go in the shop it’s a minimum of $1000 but averages more like $2000, I’d say we spend a minimum of $5,000 a year on them which would average more like $400 a month. Add that with a ave. $1,500 a month mortgage, HVAC, water, misc, $600(?) thats about $35 K which leaves quite a lot for gas, food, clothes, ect on a $80K income minus 9%...
What about medical?
Add my wife’s “former” POS 2003 Golf.
Medical expenses for my household have been very high for the past four years or so. In the multiple tens of K. The caller’s situation resonated with me. Like him, we DO utilize the medical deduction.
Kids and vacation (or “investment”) homes can eat up money like crazy. Private schools, camps, etc etc.
I’ve been keeping really accurate car expense records for the past eight years or so. Gotten pretty good at buying value cars. Buy reliable used cars at a good price, get the cars refurbed close to or better than what you see with dealer certified used cars, and keep them in good shape.
Not perfect, I’ve bought some real clunkers, but my wife backs me up by demanding I get rid of the bad ones quick rather than attempt to make a money-pit hobby of it.