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Audi1996–2022 Critical issues documented

Audi RS3: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Audi RS3 (1996–2022) in New Zealand? We've documented 9 known faults for this model spanning interior, engine, body & rust, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

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  • NZ owned and operated

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9

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$400–$2,800

Typical repair

12

Service milestones

Which Audi RS3 are you looking at?

4 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

2.5L turbo· 2.5 litre, turbocharged

Start your free check on this Audi RS3

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Audi RS3

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Likely — same engine family

Audi RS3

Narrowed by capacity and fuel. No engine code is recorded for this option, so a fault specific to one engine of that size cannot be confirmed from it.

Matched on capacity and fuel, not on an engine code.

matched on 2.5L engine

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Audi RS3 before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    This one is settled on paper, not in the driveway.

    See why

    Front passenger airbag folding defect — safety recall 69DZ

    Audi recalled 4,117 cars from the 2022 model year — 3,681 A3, 420 S3 and 16 RS3 — because the front passenger airbag may have been folded incorrectly during manufacture. An incorrectly folded bag can tear as it inflates and then fail to deploy properly in a crash. Audi and the supplier examined 120 airbags and found deviations in the folding. The remedy is a free replacement of the front passenger airbag module. There is nothing whatever to see or feel from inside the car — the airbag warning light behaves normally because the electrical side of the system is fine — so this is purely a VIN check, and it is a small enough recall that many owners of unaffected cars will tell you truthfully that they never heard of it.

    What you would notice

    • No symptoms at all — the defect is invisible and the warning light stays normal
    • Airbag warning light staying on would indicate a different, electrical fault
    • Evidence of previous accident repair around the dashboard

    Typically $0–$2,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Lift the rubber sill protectors and examine the sill seam for rust perforation.

    See why

    8L A3 Sill, Wheel Arch, and Subframe Corrosion

    First-generation 8L A3 models are now 20-28 years old, and significant corrosion is found on NZ examples that have been driven in coastal areas or on roads salted with sea spray. The most common locations are the inner and outer sills behind the door steps, the rear wheel arch lips, the front subframe mounting points, and the floor pan above the spare wheel well. Structural corrosion at the front subframe mounts can compromise suspension geometry and front-end rigidity. Japanese grey imports may present lower rust risk due to dry conditions, but NZ coastal use post-import accelerates deterioration.

    What you would notice

    • Bubbling or blistering paint on the lower sill panels and wheel arch lips
    • Visible rust through the sill covers when the plastic trim is lifted
    • Soft or flexible floor when pressure is applied to the sill area
    • Surface rust on the underside of the floor pan and subframe mounts

    Typically $500–$5,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check for documented Haldex filter and oil service history at 30,000-40,000 km intervals.

    See why

    Haldex 4th Gen Coupling Filter Blockage — AWD Fault

    The A3 8P Quattro uses a 4th-generation Haldex electro-hydraulic coupling to engage the rear axle on demand. The coupling relies on an internal electric oil pump to pressurize the multi-plate clutch pack; oil is drawn through a small mesh filter that traps wear debris from the clutch plates and pump components. Audi specifies filter and oil replacement every 30,000-40,000 km but this service is frequently missed by owners and independent workshops. As the filter accumulates debris, flow restriction starves the pump of oil, reducing clutch clamping pressure. The rear wheels progressively receive less torque until AWD engagement ceases entirely. The failure manifests as the Quattro or AWD warning light and converts the vehicle to effective front-wheel-drive under power.

    What you would notice

    • Quattro or AWD system warning light on dashboard
    • Understeer under power that is disproportionate for AWD vehicle
    • No detectable rear-wheel engagement on slippery surfaces
    • Haldex coupling fault codes in VCDS transmission control module scan

    Typically $400–$2,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Separately check the front ball joint at 6 and 12 o'clock.

    See why

    Front Lower Arm Rear Ball Joint Failure

    The rear pivot point of the front lower control arm on the 8P A3 incorporates a rubber-bonded ball joint that is integral to the arm casting and cannot be replaced separately. The joint deteriorates with age, road shock, and New Zealand or Australian corrugated road conditions, developing lateral play that manifests as vague or imprecise steering, knocking over bumps, and pulling under braking. Failed joints also cause camber change under cornering, producing rapid inner tyre wear. WOF and roadworthy inspection failures on this item are common on high-mileage 8P examples. The complete lower control arm must be replaced as a unit.

    What you would notice

    • Vague, imprecise, or wander-prone steering feel
    • Clunking or knocking from front suspension over bumps or dips
    • Vehicle pulling to one side under firm braking
    • Uneven or accelerated wear on inner front tyre edge
    • Steering wheel vibration at motorway speed

    Typically $550–$1,150 to put right.

Audi RS3 service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the Audi RS3. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

Audi RS3 (8Y) · 2021–2026 · 2.5L TFSI (DNWA) - Sportback/Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 40,000 km

    Full transmission service (DSG oil and filter) to maintain smooth shifting performance.

  2. 60,000 km

    Monitor spark plug health, since these performance engines are demanding on ignition components.

  3. 80,000 km

    Evaluate the water pump and thermostat housing, common service points on the EA855 engine platform.

Audi RS3 (8V Facelift) · 2017–2020 · 2.5L TFSI (DAZA) - Sportback/Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 60,000 km

    Haldex fluid change and DSG oil service, vital for longevity.

  2. 90,000 km

    Inspect the water pump and thermostat housing for early signs of seepage.

  3. 120,000 km

    Evaluate suspension dampers and engine mounts for signs of wear.

Audi RS3 (8V) · 2015–2016 · 2.5L TFSI (CZGB) - Sportback/Sedan

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 60,000 km

    S-tronic transmission fluid and filter change interval.

  2. 90,000 km

    Inspect the water pump and thermostat housing for minor coolant weeping.

  3. 120,000 km

    Confirm spark plug and ignition coil replacements to ensure optimal combustion efficiency.

Audi RS3 (8P) · 2011–2012 · 2.5L TFSI (CEPA) - Sportback

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 60,000 km

    First major DSG fluid and filter service, along with a full spark plug replacement.

  2. 100,000 km

    Suspension components like struts and control arm bushings often need a thorough inspection for wear.

  3. 120,000 km

    Standard interval to replace the water pump and inspect the thermostat housing for seepage.

See all 9 documented issuesEverything researched for the Audi RS3, including 3 rated critical.
Engine, transmission & cooling1 critical3

01Low-pressure fuel (lift) pump module fails — engine cuts at idle and will not restart

The 8V RS3's in-tank lift pump module feeds the high-pressure pump, and on early cars it can drop its output without warning.petrol2014–2018Engine
OccasionalEngine $0–$1,800 to fix

The 8V RS3's in-tank lift pump module feeds the high-pressure pump, and on early cars it can drop its output without warning. The way owners describe it is consistent: the engine cuts out at low speed or while idling, the car logs a low fuel pressure fault, and it then refuses to restart for five to ten minutes before behaving perfectly again. Audi addressed it through a technical instruction (TPI 20BD) with dealers replacing the lift pump module, reached by lifting the rear seat base rather than dropping the tank. Because the fault is intermittent and clears itself, a car can drive faultlessly on a twenty-minute test and still have it. The service history is the real evidence here.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine cutting out at idle or crawling speed with no warning
  • Refusing to restart for five to ten minutes, then starting normally
  • Low fuel pressure fault or a general engine warning on the dash
  • A stumble or hesitation under hard acceleration on a low tank

What to check

  1. Ask the seller point blank whether the car has ever cut out or refused to restart, and whether TPI 20BD or a fuel pump module replacement appears anywhere in its history — this fault leaves a paper trail even when it leaves no symptom on the day.
  2. Ask to see the full Audi service record and look for any fuel system work, warranty claims or repeat visits for a starting complaint.
  3. On the test drive, let the car idle for a few minutes when warm rather than keeping the revs up, and do several stop-start moves in a car park at crawling speed.
  4. Check the dash on start-up for any warning light that lingers instead of going out with the rest.

Where to look: Low-pressure fuel pump module in the fuel tank, accessed under the rear seat base

Parts involved: In-tank fuel pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has this car ever cut out or refused to restart?”
  • “Has the fuel pump module been replaced, or TPI 20BD carried out?”
  • “Can I see the complete Audi service history including any warranty work?”

02Haldex electric pump clogs and fails — traction light on, quattro drive lost to the rear

The 8V RS3 sends drive rearwards through a Haldex coupling with its own electric pump and filter.petrol2014–2018TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Haldex 4th Gen Coupling Filter Blockage — AWD Fault

Check for documented Haldex filter and oil service history at 30,000-40,000 km intervals.2006–2013Transmission
CommonTransmission $400–$2,800 to fix

The A3 8P Quattro uses a 4th-generation Haldex electro-hydraulic coupling to engage the rear axle on demand. The coupling relies on an internal electric oil pump to pressurize the multi-plate clutch pack; oil is drawn through a small mesh filter that traps wear debris from the clutch plates and pump components. Audi specifies filter and oil replacement every 30,000-40,000 km but this service is frequently missed by owners and independent workshops. As the filter accumulates debris, flow restriction starves the pump of oil, reducing clutch clamping pressure. The rear wheels progressively receive less torque until AWD engagement ceases entirely. The failure manifests as the Quattro or AWD warning light and converts the vehicle to effective front-wheel-drive under power.

Symptoms to notice

  • Quattro or AWD system warning light on dashboard
  • Understeer under power that is disproportionate for AWD vehicle
  • No detectable rear-wheel engagement on slippery surfaces
  • Haldex coupling fault codes in VCDS transmission control module scan

What to check

Check for documented Haldex filter and oil service history at 30,000-40,000 km intervals. Use VCDS to scan the Haldex control unit for engagement and coupling fault codes. On a safe low-speed surface, accelerate moderately from rest and note whether rear axle engagement is felt — absence confirms coupling failure or filter blockage. Coupling unit replacement is required if filter and oil change does not restore function.

Where to look: Rear axle assembly, Haldex coupling unit integrated into the rear differential housing

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the Haldex filter and oil last serviced, and can you show documentation?”
  • “Has the quattro or AWD warning light ever appeared on the dashboard?”
  • “Has the AWD system been tested or diagnosed by any workshop?”
Electrical1

04MMI infotainment main unit failure — black screen and dead reversing camera

2021–2022Electrical
Very commonElectrical $0–$4,000 to fix

The 8Y A3's infotainment is its weak point and the evidence is unusually strong: in What Car?'s reliability survey 59 per cent of 8Y owners reported a fault, and 44 per cent of those faults were the infotainment system. Owners describe touchscreen freezes, unresponsive inputs, random reboots while driving, Bluetooth dropouts and complete black screens. Audi also ran a safety recall on 2021-2022 cars because the infotainment main unit can be damaged internally when the car is switched off, leaving the reversing camera image dead the next time it is started — and on this car the camera, the climate controls and much of the driving information all live behind the same screen, so one failure takes several functions with it. Early production cars are worst; a soldering defect on some early motherboards caused permanent failures rather than software glitches, and Audi's later software updates progressively fixed most of the rest.

Symptoms to notice

  • Screen going black, freezing, or rebooting on its own while driving
  • Reversing camera image not appearing when Reverse is selected
  • Touchscreen slow or not responding to inputs
  • Bluetooth or phone connection dropping repeatedly
  • Warning messages about the emergency call system appearing briefly

What to check

Give the screen a proper workout rather than a glance, and do it with the car switched fully off and on at least twice, because the recall fault only shows on the start after a shutdown. Select Reverse and confirm the camera image appears straight away and is not black, frozen or delayed. Work through the menus — audio, phone, navigation, climate and vehicle settings — and check the touchscreen responds first time everywhere rather than needing a second press. Pair your own phone by Bluetooth and confirm it connects and stays connected on the test drive. Watch for the screen going black or restarting itself while you are moving. Note any message about the emergency call or driver assistance systems, even if it clears by itself. Ask whether the software has been updated at a dealer and whether the infotainment unit has ever been replaced, and ask for the VIN to be checked with Audi for outstanding recalls, which is free. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for the infotainment software version and any stored control-unit faults to be confirmed.

Where to look: Dashboard — MMI infotainment main unit behind the centre screen

Ask the seller

  • “Has the infotainment ever frozen, gone black or restarted itself?”
  • “Has the head unit been replaced or the software updated under recall?”
  • “Does the reversing camera work every single time?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior2 critical4

05Front passenger airbag folding defect — safety recall 69DZ

This one is settled on paper, not in the driveway.2022Interior
RareInterior $0–$2,500 to fix

Audi recalled 4,117 cars from the 2022 model year — 3,681 A3, 420 S3 and 16 RS3 — because the front passenger airbag may have been folded incorrectly during manufacture. An incorrectly folded bag can tear as it inflates and then fail to deploy properly in a crash. Audi and the supplier examined 120 airbags and found deviations in the folding. The remedy is a free replacement of the front passenger airbag module. There is nothing whatever to see or feel from inside the car — the airbag warning light behaves normally because the electrical side of the system is fine — so this is purely a VIN check, and it is a small enough recall that many owners of unaffected cars will tell you truthfully that they never heard of it.

Symptoms to notice

  • No symptoms at all — the defect is invisible and the warning light stays normal
  • Airbag warning light staying on would indicate a different, electrical fault
  • Evidence of previous accident repair around the dashboard

What to check

This one is settled on paper, not in the driveway. Take the VIN from the base of the windscreen or the driver's door jamb and ask an Audi dealer to confirm whether recall 69DZ and every other open campaign has been completed on this specific car — the check is free and it is the only way to know, since nothing about the car will tell you. Ask the seller for recall letters and dealer invoices and read them rather than accepting a summary, because Audi ran several separate campaigns on the 2022 A3 and having one done says nothing about the others. While you are in the car, turn the ignition on and confirm the airbag warning light illuminates and then goes out — a light that never comes on at all can mean the bulb or the warning has been disabled, which is a reason to walk away. Look across the top of the dashboard on the passenger side for panel gaps, mismatched trim or paint overspray that would suggest the car has had accident repair there. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for the restraint system fault memory to be read alongside the recall check.

Where to look: Dashboard — front passenger airbag module above the glovebox

Ask the seller

  • “Has recall 69DZ, the passenger airbag recall, been completed on this car?”
  • “Have all other outstanding Audi campaigns been done, with invoices?”
  • “Has this car ever been in an accident or had airbags deployed?”

06Front seat belt tensioner safety recall — inadequate restraint in a crash

2022Interior
OccasionalInterior $0–$1,500 to fix

Audi recalled 2022 A3 and S3 sedans because the retention force of the seat belt tensioner on the driver and front passenger seats may be insufficient to properly restrain an occupant in a crash. The fix is a free replacement of both front seat belt assemblies. There is nothing to see or feel from the driver's seat — the belt looks and works normally in everyday use, and the defect only matters in the one situation where you cannot afford it to. That makes this purely a paperwork check, and an important one on a car being sold privately or imported, because the original owner notification went out in late 2022 to whoever held the car then.

Symptoms to notice

  • No symptoms in normal use — the belt operates as expected
  • Belt slow to retract or not sitting flush against the body
  • Airbag or restraint warning light on the dash
  • Belt webbing frayed, twisted or cut

What to check

This is a VIN check first: note the VIN from the base of the windscreen or the driver's door jamb and ask an Audi dealer to confirm whether the seat belt tensioner recall and any other outstanding campaigns have been completed on this car. It costs nothing and it is the only way to be certain. Ask the seller for recall letters or dealer invoices and read them, since a car may have had one campaign done and not another. Sitting in the car, pull each front belt fully out and let it retract, checking it runs smoothly and pulls itself flush rather than hanging slack. Give the belt a sharp tug to confirm it locks. Look along the webbing for fraying, cuts or twisting, and check the buckle latches and releases cleanly. Turn the ignition on and confirm the airbag warning light comes on and then goes out — a light that stays on, or never appears at all, is a reason to stop and ask questions. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the restraint system fault memory read alongside the recall check.

Where to look: Front seats — driver and front passenger seat belt assemblies and tensioners

Parts involved: Timing belt.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the seat belt tensioner recall been completed, and is there a dealer invoice?”
  • “Have all other outstanding Audi recalls been done on this car?”
  • “Has the airbag or restraint warning light ever stayed on?”

078L A3 Sill, Wheel Arch, and Subframe Corrosion

Lift the rubber sill protectors and examine the sill seam for rust perforation.petrol1996–2006Body & Rust
CommonBody & Rust $500–$5,000 to fix

First-generation 8L A3 models are now 20-28 years old, and significant corrosion is found on NZ examples that have been driven in coastal areas or on roads salted with sea spray. The most common locations are the inner and outer sills behind the door steps, the rear wheel arch lips, the front subframe mounting points, and the floor pan above the spare wheel well. Structural corrosion at the front subframe mounts can compromise suspension geometry and front-end rigidity. Japanese grey imports may present lower rust risk due to dry conditions, but NZ coastal use post-import accelerates deterioration.

Symptoms to notice

  • Bubbling or blistering paint on the lower sill panels and wheel arch lips
  • Visible rust through the sill covers when the plastic trim is lifted
  • Soft or flexible floor when pressure is applied to the sill area
  • Surface rust on the underside of the floor pan and subframe mounts

What to check

Lift the rubber sill protectors and examine the sill seam for rust perforation. Use a magnet to check for filler on the lower front wings and sills. Check the spare wheel well from inside the boot. Any perforated structural rust is a WOF risk and a significant repair cost. If a workshop inspection is possible: Place the vehicle on a hoist and inspect the underside: front subframe mounts, floor pan, jacking points, and rear beam mounting brackets.

Where to look: Lower body — sills, rear wheel arch lips, front subframe mounts, spare wheel well

Parts involved: Chassis and structural rust, Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car spent most of its life in NZ, or was it imported from Japan?”
  • “Has any rust repair or underbody treatment been carried out?”
  • “Can I put the car on a hoist to inspect the underside?”

08Front Lower Arm Rear Ball Joint Failure

Separately check the front ball joint at 6 and 12 o'clock.2003–2013Suspension
CommonSuspension $550–$1,150 to fix

The rear pivot point of the front lower control arm on the 8P A3 incorporates a rubber-bonded ball joint that is integral to the arm casting and cannot be replaced separately. The joint deteriorates with age, road shock, and New Zealand or Australian corrugated road conditions, developing lateral play that manifests as vague or imprecise steering, knocking over bumps, and pulling under braking. Failed joints also cause camber change under cornering, producing rapid inner tyre wear. WOF and roadworthy inspection failures on this item are common on high-mileage 8P examples. The complete lower control arm must be replaced as a unit.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Vague, imprecise, or wander-prone steering feel
  • Clunking or knocking from front suspension over bumps or dips
  • Vehicle pulling to one side under firm braking
  • Uneven or accelerated wear on inner front tyre edge
  • Steering wheel vibration at motorway speed

What to check

Separately check the front ball joint at 6 and 12 o'clock. Inspect front tyre inner edges for feathering or accelerated wear indicating camber deviation. If a workshop inspection is possible: On a workshop hoist, grasp the front wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock and push and pull to check for lateral play in the lower arm rear pivot.

Where to look: Front subframe, lower control arm rear pivot — both left and right sides

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front lower control arms been replaced on this car?”
  • “Have you noticed any steering vagueness or clunking over bumps?”
  • “When was the last wheel alignment performed and what was the camber reading?”
Fluid leaks1

09Bevel box and driveshaft seals weep on early 8V cars

The bevel box is the small right-angle gearbox that takes drive from the transaxle and sends it down the propshaft to the rear.petrol2014–2018Fluid Leaks
OccasionalFluid Leaks $500–$4,200 to fix

The bevel box is the small right-angle gearbox that takes drive from the transaxle and sends it down the propshaft to the rear. Early 8V RS3s have a documented habit of seeping oil around the bevel box housing and the driveshaft seals either side of it, and Audi replaced a number of units under warranty rather than reseal them. On a car still in warranty this was somebody else's problem. On a used import it is yours, and it is the sort of thing that gets dismissed as 'they all do that' until the level drops far enough to cook the unit. It also makes a mess of everything below it, so a suspiciously clean, freshly steam-cleaned underside on an otherwise ordinary car deserves a second look.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oily film or wet staining around the gearbox and the base of the propshaft
  • Drips on the driveway under the middle of the car after it has been parked
  • A whine from the driveline that rises with road speed
  • Burnt oil smell after a hard drive

What to check

Ask the seller where the car is normally parked and go and look at that patch of ground for old oil staining, which tells you more than a wiped-down engine bay does. Crouch at the side of the car with your phone torch and look along the join between the gearbox and the propshaft, and at the inner ends of the front driveshafts, for a wet oily film or a build-up of oily road grime — a slow weep collects dirt in a way a clean unit never does. Be suspicious of an underside that has clearly just been steam cleaned on a car that is otherwise dusty. Ask whether the bevel box has ever been replaced or resealed, and ask for the invoice.

Where to look: Bevel box on the rear of the gearbox where the propshaft joins, and the driveshaft seals either side of it

Ask the seller

  • “Has the bevel box ever been replaced or resealed?”
  • “Do you ever see drips on the driveway under the middle of the car?”
  • “Has the underside been cleaned recently, and why?”

Audi RS3 faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

Haldex electric pump clogs and fails — traction light on, quattro drive lost to the rearMajor · Transmission

Other Audi models

Audi A445 documented faultsAudi A343 documented faultsAudi A634 documented faultsAudi S69 documented faultsAudi A87 documented faultsAudi RS47 documented faults

Audi RS3 buyer questions

Is the Audi RS3 reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 9 documented faults for the Audi RS3, the recurring problem areas are interior, engine, and body & rust. A Audi RS3 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Audi RS3?

We've catalogued 9 known faults for the Audi RS3, covering interior, engine, and body & rust. All 9 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Audi RS3?

Most single repairs on the Audi RS3 fall between $400–$2,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 9 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Audi RS3?

Yes. A Audi RS3 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.