Mud Flaps

[DenverSteve]

Does anyone see any purpose for the front mud flaps on the Boxster? I had my car in last week for an oil change and 40,000 inspection. They told me I need new mud flaps, and although this is my second Boxster, I didn't know there was such a thing. When I looked at them, they are cracked at the bottom of the wheel well. It seems to me that instead of a $125 replacement, they could be sliced off at the body without any ill effects. Do you know of any reason they are needed? This car will never see the mud....