Just got an 08 Scout. Happy as pig in poop most of the time. However, there is a long wide speed cushion at work. I noticed that driving onto the cushion there is no problem, when the front wheels drop off and then the back wheels follow there is quite a loud knock coming from the middle underside of the car as the back end levels with the front (not hitting the cushion).

Had a look under the car and there is a hole in part of the plastic guard and also damage to some cream coloured fins under the drivers seat area.

Car has done 86,000 rural miles. Think previously owned by farmer so been off road.

What should I be checking for and how do I get a good look with all the plastic guards hiding the metal work?

Thanks for any help.

Fins under the drivers seat area sounds like the fuel cooler. Shouldn't be creme though - more grey / silver.

They have letterbox style slits at the front on the side plastic sills where the jack goes

So as the back end lifts (onto the speed hump) there is no noise, but when you drop off the speed hump (the back end drops) you get the knock?

Clearly something loose, probably had a clout at some stage and broken a clip, bracket etc. Luckily the Scout does have quite a bit of additional underbody protection.

You need to get the car up on some ramps so that you can taker a proper look.

Most (non-franchised) garages will do this for you and diagnose the fault without charging. Find a local garage and ask them to take a look.

As above, the only fins underneath the driver is the fuel cooler, as long as it is still secure and isn't leaking you should be OK.

There was a recent thread on here for a loose fuel cooler that was knocking on the underside of the car, maybe these two observations of yours are infact linked? Try and move the fuel cooler, if you can move it then the clips have broken...