Doesn’t Even Know Where To Start(er)

(I work at an auto parts store in a small town in the Appalachian foothills. I am talking to an elderly customer.)

Customer: “I need a starter for my 1990 Plymouth Acclaim.”

Me: “Alright. There were two different starters used on that car. One was made by Bosch, and the other was made by Mitsubishi. Do you know which one your car has?”

Customer: “No. I don’t. I’ll have to find out.”

Me: “Well, it’s okay. They will both work interchangeably. Just be aware that they do look completely different from each other, The one I sell you might look different, but it will still fit and work fine. It looks like the Mitsubishi starter is less expensive, so I’ll grab that one for you. Okay?”

Customer: “Now hold on a second. I don’t want no Mitsubishi anything! Don’t you know? Japan was against us in World War II!”

Me: “Alright, sir. I’ll get you the German-made Bosch starter.”

Customer: “Now, that’s better!”