My thinking is, it is much easier to replace a skinned-up plastic hubcap, than to drive around with an ugly skinned-up alloy wheel. Like on my Camry SE. (Sh*t happens.)
The nice thing about the plastic wheel covers (hubcaps) is that I can change them when a better looking style comes out. Create a whole new look for the car.
Well, in the case of Pearl S, the nice thing about the plastic wheel covers is they look really good hanging on the wall of my garage, brand new, and not scratched. They hold "stuff" in the wheel, and "stuff" absorbs salt in winter and will damage the wheel's finish. I'm betting it's the same for the GIV.
