Resid3nt
no, I mean "rice" and not "race".
instead of buying aestethics spend some money on actual parts that might improve mileage, safety and performance.
..why?
First, a good set of rims could be considered a performance addition. Lighter, larger, wider rims paired with a good set of tires can be one of the best performance-enhancing purchases avaialble. Better handling, better stopping distance, better launches, less weight..
Secondly, if you're not planning on racing, or really doing any performance driving, but you want a good-looking car, then there's nothing wrong with aesthetically modifying your car.
It all comes down to personal preference in the end. I'd personally avoid large spoilers and hood scoops on a Neon. However, if she wants it, then.. that's her choice.
Aesthetic improvments don't automatically = rice. Rice is tossing a fart can muffler on, and thinking that makes your car fast. Rice is tossing a giant spoiler on your fwd car, and thinking it makes you fast. Rice is tossing a bodykit on, and thinking it makes you fast. Rice is an automatic civic se with a type-r sticker. Rice is thinking you have added performance when you haven't.