Cut in plastic of undercarriage of car

[breakaleg]

Hi, I'm in the process of purchasing a used Mazda 3 Sport. I discovered a cut in underneath the car in the plastic enclosure of cover or whatever it's called. It looks like it's been done with a hand tool and the edges are quite rough. It's about 6 inches around.

Any ideas why this could have been done? I'm waiting to find out the possibilities before I agree to purchase.

 

[Rotus8]

Hi, I'm in the process of purchasing a used Mazda 3 Sport. I discovered a cut in underneath the car in the plastic enclosure of cover or whatever it's called. It looks like it's been done with a hand tool and the edges are quite rough. It's about 6 inches around.

Any ideas why this could have been done? I'm waiting to find out the possibilities before I agree to purchase.

It might have been done to gain access to the oil filter without removing the cover. I don't think it is a big deal. The sharp edges might do some damage to the next skunk you run over, but otherwise it doesn't seem like a big deal. Just check that it isn't so weakend that it is going to fall apart.

 

[breakaleg]

It might have been done to gain access to the oil filter without removing the cover. I don't think it is a big deal. The sharp edges might do some damage to the next skunk you run over, but otherwise it doesn't seem like a big deal. Just check that it isn't so weakend that it is going to fall apart.

Thanks for your reply. It seemed weird because the car is 2 years old and was serviced by the dealer. But it looks like something someone would have done at home.