{"id":1088,"date":"2026-01-14T18:51:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T18:51:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expressmileage.com\/pages\/?p=1088"},"modified":"2026-01-14T21:23:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T21:23:07","slug":"gofar-mileage-tracker-device-obd2-explained-and-when-expressmileage-is-the-better-fit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expressmileage.com\/pages\/gofar-mileage-tracker-device-obd2-explained-and-when-expressmileage-is-the-better-fit\/","title":{"rendered":"GOFAR Mileage Tracker Device (OBD2) Explained \u2014 And When ExpressMileage Is the Better Fit"},"content":{"rendered":"

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If you\u2019ve ever reached tax time thinking, \u201cWait\u2026 I drove a ton for work last year,\u201d you already know how valuable a good mileage tracker<\/strong> can be. The IRS expects you to keep records (or provide strong supporting evidence), and mileage is one of the biggest deductions for self-employed people, gig workers, and small business owners. IRS Topic 510<\/a><\/p>\n

One popular approach is using a plug-in mileage tracking device<\/strong> that automatically logs trips. That\u2019s exactly what
GOFAR<\/a> offers: an OBD2 device paired with an app to track trips, classify mileage, and export reports.
(We\u2019ll break it down.)<\/span><\/p>\n

\"GOFAR<\/p>\n

But for most people\u2014especially anyone who needs a clean mileage log fast, wants to avoid buying hardware, or needs to reconstruct mileage\u2014 ExpressMileage<\/a> is often the simpler, more cost-effective option.<\/p>\n

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Quick takeaway:<\/strong> If you want \u201cset it and forget it\u201d always-on tracking with an OBD2 device, GOFAR is interesting.    If you want a fast, web-based way to generate a compliant mileage log<\/strong> (especially for past periods), ExpressMileage is usually the better fit.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

What is GOFAR and how does it track mileage?<\/h2>\n

GOFAR describes itself as a mileage tracker and logbook app that uses a leave-in plug-in device<\/strong> to capture every trip, then syncs those trips to your phone.
According to GOFAR, it uses OBD2 scanner technology<\/strong> (the same diagnostic port mechanics plug into) and sends your car\u2019s data from the adapter to the GOFAR app.  See  How GOFAR works<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Tracking<\/p>\n

The practical benefit is simple: because the device stays plugged in, GOFAR can automatically log drives even if your phone battery dies. (GOFAR mileage tracker<\/a>) That \u201calways on\u201d approach can be great for people who never want to think about tracking again. <\/p>\n

Why people like a plug-in mileage tracking device<\/h2>\n

A plug-in device is appealing because it reduces human error. You don\u2019t have to remember to start tracking, stop tracking, or enter trips manually.
GOFAR also highlights features<\/a> like automatic trip logging, seeing trips on a map, and exporting spreadsheet-style reports.<\/p>\n

For someone who drives constantly (sales routes, real estate, rideshare, deliveries), the \u201ccapture everything\u201d idea can sound perfect\u2014
especially when you\u2019re trying to maximize business miles and avoid missing deductions.<\/p>\n

The big tradeoff: cost and commitment<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s the part most people don\u2019t think about until after they\u2019ve started: device-based tracking often comes with ongoing fees and up-front hardware cost.
GOFAR\u2019s pricing page<\/a> shows a $15\/month plan plus $100 for the device<\/strong>, with discounted annual and 2-year options that include the device.<\/p>\n

That may still be worth it if you\u2019re a heavy driver and you truly want the \u201cautomatic all year\u201d method.
But for many people, paying a subscription + buying hardware is more than they need\u2014especially if they only need a mileage log for one tax year, a reimbursement request, or a specific time period.<\/p>\n

When ExpressMileage is the better option for most people<\/h2>\n

ExpressMileage is different on purpose. Instead of requiring a plug-in device, ExpressMileage is a web-based mileage log generator<\/strong> designed to help you create
a mileage log in minutes\u2014without installing anything in your vehicle.
How ExpressMileage works<\/a><\/p>\n

1) You can generate a mileage log fast (even if you\u2019re behind)<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re reading this because you didn\u2019t track mileage consistently, device-based tracking won\u2019t help you retroactively.<\/p>\n

ExpressMileage is built for speed: you can create a driving log in minutes and produce a clean report for tax deduction or reimbursement use.
Generate a mileage log in 4 minutes<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

2) No hardware, no OBD2 port worries<\/h3>\n

GOFAR relies on an OBD2 diagnostic port (common in vehicles, but still something you\u2019re physically plugging into your car).<\/p>\n

ExpressMileage doesn\u2019t require any device at all\u2014meaning you don\u2019t have to install hardware, check compatibility, or keep something plugged in.<\/p>\n

For many people, \u201cno device\u201d is a big win.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3) Great for recurring drives and predictable routes<\/h3>\n

A lot of mileage is repetitive: commuting between office locations, weekly errands for supplies, recurring client visits, school drop-offs for business-related travel, etc.<\/p>\n

ExpressMileage highlights the ability to auto-populate and create recurring drives<\/strong>, which is exactly what many people need to build a consistent log quickly.
ExpressMileage home<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

4) Built-in templates if you want to start simple<\/h3>\n

Some people don\u2019t even want an app\u2014they just want a clean spreadsheet or printable log template.
ExpressMileage provides free mileage log templates for Excel\/PDF\/Google Sheets, which is perfect if you\u2019re easing into better recordkeeping.
Free mileage log templates<\/a><\/p>\n

So\u2026 is GOFAR \u201cbad\u201d? Not at all.<\/h2>\n

GOFAR is a legitimate approach: a plug-in mileage tracking device + app can be very convenient for people who want always-on automation.
I
f you drive every day for work and you like the idea of a device logging trips automatically, it\u2019s worth reviewing their product pages:
Mileage tracker<\/a>, How it works<\/a>, and Pricing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The point is fit. Most people aren\u2019t looking for a \u201cFitBit for the car\u201d with hardware and an ongoing subscription.
Most people want one thing: a clean, easy-to-export mileage log they can confidently use at tax time.<\/p>\n

Recommendation: choose based on your real situation<\/h2>\n