I hit a deer to the tune of $10k of front end damage and just got my 2008 XLS back from the body shop. The daytime running lights are now two entirely different versions (one original, and a new aftermarket). This makes me wonder about the overall quality of the bodyshop. Looking underneath, I thought there was supposed to be a steel skidplate to protect the oil pan and exhaust. Am I just paranoid? Is there nothing underneath besides some plastic? Any pictures or help would be appreciated.

 

Skid plates refer to plastic....

The only steel or aluminum skid plates come with BMW's, Benz's and Porches.

Plastic it is.....

 

Thanks for clearing up the plastic/metal concern.

My old Xterra had metal, but what I'm also looking for is if there is a piece in the middle. All I have is the bottom of the front wrapping under for about 6 inches, and some plastic on the sides. Nothing in the middle going back further.

 

How'd the Deer make out?

 

I was pulling up to a toll plaza and hit the deer right where the road started widening from 3 lanes to about 10 lanes. I didn't see the deer after I hit it (it was behind me on the road), but other cars continued to knock it forward. The deer did not appear to be doing too well and then a car drove over it dragging it about 20 feet in front of where I stopped. It was definetely over for the deer at that point. I was probably doing about 45 mph when I hit it.