Car Talk Dear Car Talk:

My husband and I have an ongoing disagreement about when to sell or trade in his 2016 Toyota Tacoma.

I say with the reliability of these trucks, he would be better off financially to keep it and let it roll to 200,000 at least. By the time he pays for new licensing, higher insurance and the depreciation of new vehicles once they are driven off the lot, he would end up losing money by trading it in so early. He claims it is better to turn it in when the mileage is still low, under 150,000 or so, so that he will receive more money on his trade-in for a new truck. Besides, “he likes new trucks.” Can you do the math and let me know who is right? — Virginia

You’re right, Virginia. If you’re just considering economics, the best thing you can do is buy a car and then drive it until it’s no longer reliable or no longer serves your needs.

We’ve done the math. Generally speaking, paying for repairs on an older car is cheaper than making payments on a new car.

And economic policy aside, it might be good marital policy to let him have one. Afterall, a middleaged man trading in a truck for a younger model is not the worst thing that’s ever happened in a marriage, right?

So, assuming it won’t create a financial hardship, you should consider saying to him: “Frank, your economic argument makes no sense. Just like most of your arguments. But if you really want a new truck, I think you should get one because I love you and I know it’ll make you happy.”

Once he comes to, I think he’ll be pretty delighted. And hopefully, he’ll return the goodwill when you tell him you’ve already signed a contract for an in-home spa with a built-in whirlpool, sauna and personal masseuse.

Good luck, Virginia.

Dear Car Talk:

I have always been a fan of the Kia Soul’s styling. I recently rented one and was nervous about how close to the actual rear of the car the back seat is. There’s not a ton of room between the backseat and the rear window. It seems like this car and others like it are putting the rear-seat occupants in a vulnerable position in the event of the car being rear-ended. I have never seen any data on a car’s safety in a rear-end