Car Talk

April 2005

Dear Tom and Ray:

I have an '88 Geo Prizm that I got for my 16th birthday from my parents. I just put hubcap spinners on the car, and I want your opinion on whether this is lame. The car is a red sedan. My mom says they make it look like I'm trying to draw attention to myself. I just think, Hey, they look cool. I want to know what you guys think. -- Matt

RAY: Well, if I were driving an '88 Geo Prizm, I certainly wouldn't want to draw any attention to myself. So, I certainly understand your mom's concern.

Beat up old car

TOM: Actually, I don't think you should care what anybody else thinks, Matt. The question is, What do you think? If you like them, leave them on. I happen to think they look cool.

RAY: My brother's been trying, unsuccessfully, to find a set of spinners for his '52 MGTD for years now!

TOM: Throughout the ages, teen-agers have always looked to make fashion statements that their parents disapprove of. It's part of the process of growing up and declaring your independence. If my kid decided to get spinning hubcaps instead of piercing his schnozola or wearing spiked green hair, I'd be thrilled. And your mom should be, too.

RAY: In fact, that's how you can get your mom off your case, Matt. Tell her you're trying to decide between the spinners and getting a tattoo of Dick Cheney on your forehead. She'll warm right up to those spinners.

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