Mine is a 2011 model and the exhaust is underneath -- near the left front wheel. I have never sensed I was getting hit with exhaust and notice no residue on the hood after 150 hours of use.
LouieJunior. Glad yours is not a problem. I just figured after getting that advise $5 a month was worth it. I would have regretted it the first time I caught a breath of exhaust. Plus it looks cool :thumbsup: