In the spirit of holiday shopping blues, let's relate this week's topic to something men and women can understand: Let's say your girlfriend hinted that she would like a designer purse for Christmas. You agree to this, as it will certainly make her happy, which means carnal pleasures for all involved. You head down to your local Italian merchant and pick out the item of her dreams. Upon closer inspection, the purse does not appear to be any more unique or better made than the much cheaper fare at your local department store. The price tag, however, insists otherwise. Sure it has a limited production run, but does that actually mean it's worth four figures?

It doesn't take a business school degree to understand the supply and demand theory. It dictates that we, as consumers, will pay higher prices for the goods we want because there is a shortage of them. We can apply this theory to all aspects of life, from the pricey purses women covet to astonishingly crappy old cars that have made a cultural comeback and are in high demand again.

Say what you want about drifting, but there is no doubt that the automotive ballet recital has brought affordable rear-wheel drive performance vehicles back in to the public eye and driven up the price of said vehicles over the course of the last few years. Don't believe me? Consider this then: According to Edmunds.com (www.edmunds.com), a 1990 Nissan 240SX's true market value is between $1,433 and $1,629 - and that's for a vehicle in fair to excellent condition! A quick search online for the same vehicle in the Los Angeles area shows only a handful for sale, and all are priced between $2,500 and $4,000. And this is for a completely stock 240 with a KA24 motor that had probably seen better days before the odometer went through its second cycle.

Need more proof? A 1983 Toyota Corolla SR5 coupe has a true market value of anywhere between $302 and $698, depending on options. And according to www.cars.com, there is not a single one to be had in the Los Angeles area. A nationwide search on a popular forum website reveals that you can have your very own rear-wheel drive AE86 for anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000. The definition of ludicrous is "causing laughter because of absurdity; ridiculous; laughable." Perhaps we could replace that definition with this: a TODA lightweight flywheel for the SR5 costs $450, more than the car itself is worth. Or the fact that cars.com shows 0 Datsun 510s for sale in Los Angeles, when less than 10 years ago no self-respecting Honduran gardener working in Beverly Hills was without one.

This proves there is certainly a price to pay for rear-wheel drive performance, specifically in the used-car market. But it begs the question, why have certain cars been reborn into cult status while other cars have become as obscure as Aaron Burr? The Nissan 300ZX (Z32) is arguably a better car overall than its predecessor; better chassis, powerful V6 engine, available twin-turbo engine option. It was on Car and Driver's "10 Best" list for six straight years. Its performance and capability pitted it against some of the best sports cars of the time, such as a Mitsubishi 3000GT, Dodge Stealth, Toyota Supra and Porsche 968. So...where's the aftermarket support for the VG30DE? Hello?

No question, there is a reason why certain engines garner universal acclaim and receive such tremendous aftermarket support. Honda's B Series is one, and Nissan's SR20 is another. Reasonably simple electronics, proven performance numbers and celebrity endorsements are all factors. So earlier this year, in deciding to whether to purchase a Mazda RX-7 or rebuild another 240, I ultimately went with the Nissan. I love a good rotary engine, but I couldn't ignore the excellent parts availability for my SR20DET. I know many others in my situation, when given the opportunity and a few thousand dollars to purchase a car, would have done the same. The problem now, however, as I build my car is to keep the cost down. I'm on 240 number 2 now (I purchased my first one in April 2005), and while parts are plentiful, prices remain high with no downturn in sight. I'll be sinking a couple of grand into rebuilding my motor alone! What about my suspension upgrades, interior modifications, body work and paint job? I can't sleep with every shop owner on the block to save a few hundred bucks here and there. But that's the price we pay for the privilege of a great, rear-wheel drive car. It's like choosing marital partners. We know we should pick the safe, reliable partner who will make a great parent. But that's not exciting! And sometimes, we would rather sacrifice safe and practical for balls to the walls-exciting and unpredictable.

Driving, we sometimes forget, is a great privilege that can be taken away at any time. But as long as that freedom is mine, I want to drive the best vehicle I can afford. In 1997, that was an Acura Integra. When I totaled it in 2005, I cried because I didn't think I could ever replace such a wonderful car and friend - I'm not a freak, really. Nearly ten years later, I'm looking for change between my couch cushions to fund the best new turbo I can slap on my 240. Front-wheel drive? No thanks, not for me. Like I say to my men, it's always better from behind...

Jackie Liu is a Los Angeles based writer, car enthusiast and 100% U.S.D.A. Certified tart. She worked in public relations for five years, and has represented clients that include American Honda and Ford Motor Company. She was recently published in Sport Compact Car as a judge in the 2006 Ultimate Street Car Challenge, and contributes to Edmunds.com. She owns a 1990 Nissan 240SX and a 1993 Porsche 968, but she shares joint custody of a number of other cars that include a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a 2004 Subaru STi, a 1999 Land Rover Discovery and a 1973 Datsun 240Z. Hit her up at jackie2@urbanracer.com.