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While my dad was working in Phoenix last summer, he spotted a Rent-A-Tire outlet. On the phone, he expressed bewilderment at why anyone would want to rent tires. I explained certain tires - like the Yokohamas immortalized in "Bling Bling" - are status symbols in hip-hop and other subcultures, and persons with limited financial means might be inclined to finance some flashy rims and tires.

Just the other day, I drove past Austin's Rent-A-Tire and noticed an Expedition with a sweet set of spinner rims and wondered if the proud owner had just leased them. I spoke to my dad on the phone this morning and he was all, "Did you know there are truck rims that keep spinning after the car stops?"

"Oh yeah, spinners and choppers."

"Did you know they cost over $14,000 for a set?"

That I didn't know. He pointed me to this Time magazine article on specialty rims that notes a limited edition set of wheels can cost $14,400, but I'm sure there are less-expensive spinners out there.