Autos Books

Works for brake jobs and the like, but if you are going to do real stuff like the timing belt, get the factory manual.

This manual is very poor for Audi's. It's obviously set of primarily for VW's, and contains many errors for Audi's.

I bought this guide specifically to replace an oxygen sensor in the car. While this book is full of loads of good information on my car, they only had the location of the sensor for the other models, so I still don't know where to find mine. So while it looks useful, it didn't accomplish the first task I bought it for.

The book explains pretty simple car repair jobs and includes some indepth types of repair. It has some pictures, but they might use one picture for 4 different types of repair. If you are just wondering how to preform basic car maintenance this book is for you.

The book is ok as a rough guide/what to look out
but for something simple e.g. instructions for simple
change of a front headlamp the book indicated total removal
of the headlamp unit on my '98 A4. Fortunately I
remembered to the dealership service advice that
I simply had to pop off a plastic cap behind the
headlamp, undo a clip, unplug the old bulb and replace
it - took less than 5 minutes - good thing I did not
follow the book!
Overpriced too.

I have used many Chilton repair manuals in the past. I need one now for my 1994 Cadillac concour. I have an oil leak around the oil pan. I need to have a manual that show's how to remove the oil pan.

well thought out for the mechanic whom needs knowledge of engine specs. Otherwise it was a horrible book for the mechanically inclined with a need to diagnose computer problems and codes

Book includes many exploded view drawings in support of lucid text to clearly show the location of bolts etc.. It saves hours and broken parts by this means; e.g. removal of plastic face/frame on 1990 Eldorado dashboard shows the precise location of (7) retaining screws. Those who want more details probably need the $100 shop manuals.

The manual goes into too much detail about repairs that a typical consumer would never attempt at home and provides almost no detail about routine maintenance. I bought this manual and kept in my garage for reference and tried to use it yesterday to guide me through flushing my cooling system. I could not locate the radiator drain plug. There is no index item for "radiator" if you can believe that. But, I did find "cooling system." Now, this is verbatim from the manual: "2. Place a fluid catch pan under the radiator, open the radiator drain valve and drain the coolant from the system." There is no diagram or narrative overview explaining the cooling system components. There is nothing showing the location of the drain plug! This is typical of this manual. Want another example? Here is everything on removing the thermostat: "3. If using a flushing solution, remove the thermostat. Reinstall the thermostat housing." Again, no location and no diagram. Yet, if I wanted to fix a "crankshaft damper," the manual has a 14 step procedure and a nice diagram.

I have a 1995 Cadillac Deville which keeps stalling on me. I discovered it had no spark, so it wasn't a fuel problem. I have brought it to 5 garages and no one can figure it out. Every time I get it to the garage, it will run fine. I am a college student who inheritted a nice vehicle. I can't find a book anywhere that will show me anything electrical in it

Waste of time and money. The tape primarily consists of affirmation phrases with dopey music in the background. Totally useless.

The worst audio book ever. They repeat the 10 mins or so of affirmations 2-3 times on each side of the casette wasting any time they might have had to teach you something and the affirmations are not even that good.

For anyone that understands how the subconscious mind works they will understand that the "dopey" music is a method to bypass the critical factor, also call the analytical conscious mind.

If you purchase and listen to this tape alot as back ground music, your conscous mind will learn to ignore the suggestions that most unimportant, while keying in on the pertinent suggestions. You will get benefit - besides it's guaranteed!

Have you ever re-introduced yourself to a person, and asked for their name again like: "Hi, i'm sorry i forgot your name". This tape shows you, and makes it clear, in no uncertain terms, that it is not your memory that is the problem. It is the lack of focus, and attention. The "affirmations", although admittedly quirky, are necesary in remembering the fact that you did not forget that persons name. You just weren't paying enough attention.

The audio tape is started with an introduction as to the purpose of the tape: To get you started in basic memorization, and attention focusing techniques. The "silly" background music during the affirmations is designed to trigger the right side of your brain, (as well as subconsciously help you to focus) so you can learn with your whole brain.

The tape will take you over the basics of the PEG memorization technique. (very effective in remembering lists) This tape will help you focus more clearly next time you talk to someone, or the next time you read a book you will be able to retain more information. It will help you remember names and long lists of things. IF you participate.

The memory is a "muscle" that needs excersize just like the rest of your body. I gave this 5 stars as it is the best introduction to basic list/name memorization techniques i have ever seen. The audio format provides a learning experience that no book can match.

Consists, more than anything, of these extended "affirmations" where you're supposed to repeat phrases like "I have a great memory"... that's MOST of the entire cd.

Otherwise, they do mention some tips for trying to remember names, and do actually discuss a technique to use in trying to remember a list of items.

But hey... what if you have a JOB that requires you to be on top of myriad facts and concepts, formulas, etc... that are not arranged in neat little lists. My father-in-law can read engineering manuals that are boring as can be, and he can retain the info. This tape/cd is USELESS for providing hints at how to tackle stuff like that. Sure, it's great for parlor tricks: memorize names of people in an audience and develop the ability to memorize a list of anything the audience wants you to memorize... but nothing more.

I've owned this book for about a year. It is a good reference, but I wouldn't recommend it for a novice. It has all the torque specs that you need as well as some good pictures to help find which bolts they are describing in the paragraphs. However, often you need to go to multiple different sections just to accomplish one task. And sometimes the way they took the car apart is not how they describe in the book. For example, I just completed a timing belt change. I needed to go to 3 different sections in the book. The book fails to mention that the timing belt is around a motor mount. It also fails to mention that it is much easier to get at certain areas of the car by removing other parts first.

The book would be much nicer if each task was started with a fully put together car instead of over the course of a complete teardown.

I have had some haynes manuals in the past, and have been truly amazed at how well they have covered the issues at hand. This book does not do this. It pretty much shows diagrams that do not even correspond to Hyundai Elantras! I was extremely dissapointed. The range they try to cover is too far. In books that span various models, they usually show each model specifically and the differences you will run into. This book does not and makes it extremely vague. If you have no problem using this manual, in all likelihood you probably could have done the job without it. These books are not written for mechanics. They are written for regular people.

I do not recommend this book at all.

I have bought many other repair manuals. This one seems to lack important clues for the non professional mechanics. It also lacks diagrams explaining important basic procedures. For experienced mechanics it is ok.

I usually buy the Chilton's manuals for my cars, but since I could not find one for this car, I purchased the Haynes. It has had all of the information that I've needed, and has met my needs very well. It contained enough information on the wiring diagram to make the connections for an automatic starter. Very important if you live in Alaska!

OK I understand that everyone makes mistakes. Butdoesn't anyone prrof read these things a little? This book CLEARLY does not cover 2001 Hyundai Elntras, REGARDLESS of what the title says. I'm sure it does a great job of coveing '96-'00 models, but the '01 is a complete redesign and this book has nothing to do with it. What's worse is that Haynes doesn't even put out a book covering the 01's because it thinks this one does...

I will never purchase from this seller again.I have received no manual, no money back or communication after three months.

I bought the Haynes Honda Accord 90 - 93 repair manual and I consider it a waste of ($$$) It is written with very little attention to detail and was very confusing. For someone who already knows the ins and outs maybe it is great but for me it is a waste of time. I would not recomend it to anyone. I have not read the other brands so I cannot compare them.

I like this book very much. It is very easy to read and use for troubleshooting and replacing parts to your car. There are some things is lacks. Some issues are just not existant in the book and I have to look further. I understood this when I bought the book. (what do you expect for a small book for so cheap?) If you were looking for a full car repair manual for your car. You will need to buy a Helms or similar for about the price of four of this book. Even at that, I would reccomend this book as a companion.

I find Hayes manuals to be a bit better than the similar Chilton's manuals due to their extra detail, and tips. They also can be $5 cheaper for some models. This version is great because it lists only 3 model years, thus leaving out some of the clutter of having up to 8 different model years included. You can still do much better by getting the actual factory service book, which is written just for your car, and in MUCH greater detail. Most do-it-yourself home mechanics will be fine with a Hayes manual, however.

UPDATE: The more I repair/fixup my 90 Accord, the more useless this book has become. I have found ever MORE mistakes within the pages of this book. This is good to have around for quick reference, but if you want something with detail and spot on accuracy, get the 1984-1995 Accord/Prelude Chilton manual instead, it's what I've been using for the past two years.

This book is great for general knowledge, but if your like me I like to know my car in and out. This book doesn't have many details and I've found several mistakes in it. For once I would recommend the 1984-1995 Accord/Perlude Chilton repair manual. It might seem like they are covering a large area (12 years of Accords and Preludes), but they go into great detail for each model and year.

This was disappointing. The "Total Car Care" repair manual had non-detailed drawings instead of photos leaving you with only a vague idea of where the part that you are looking for is in relation to the rest of your car. The text was about as good as the graphics... it could have been more detailed and/or descriptive. Another probelm was that the graphics gave only a single example of the procedure being described (as shown for the '84-'87 CRX... not very helpful to orient you to a 95 Civic). Compared to the other manuals that I have seen (Haynes and Clymer mostly) this one left alot to be desired at about twice the price. This one will give you a ballpark idea of what you will need to do to fix your Honda, but I would consider purchasing a single-model specific repair manual at a cheaper price.

I was looking for help for my 94 Civic.

Good:
- Clear diagrams/illustrations.
- Clear index.

Bad:
Compared with the diagrams shown for other years of Civic, I'd say there are fewer diagrams and illustrations for the 92-95 one. For example, the book shows a diagram on removing the fan/heating switch from the front panel of a model before 92, but no diagram for the 92-95 one. Also some terms used in the illustrations are not explained clearly, so I was not sure which part(s) they're referring to.

I'd rate this book better if it included a better help for the 92-95 model.

The book is a well put together repair manual covering virtually ever aspect of maintenance and repair. I, being an inexperienced mechanic, was still able to do many of the repairs. I did find the text a bit difficult when it came to figuring out what part they were referring to. The detail they gave was excellent with a diagram for all models. It is a must for any Honda Civic owner.

This book is chock full of errors. I don't have any faith in the contents of this book. Color codes of wires are incorrect in troubleshooting areas, and there is poor coverage of all model years, especially newer ones. The book tells you what fault codes are but it does not tell you how to access them. I own two Hondas and I end up using the internet to get the information this book, more often than not, neglects to include. Purchase at your own risk -- it's too bad that it is the only book on the market for many Honda models.

This is a fair book. Deffinatly better than Hays. Where hays explanes things in one sentence Chilton uses an entire paragraph. However it does not contain all the diagnosis I wanted and it is plagued with misprints and occasionaly contridicts itself.

If you are planning to work on the rear brakes note that figure 6.12a "Note how the clip and spring are installed..." appears to show the M spring backwards. Refer to figure 6.7a for the correct orientation of the spring. Also the manual adjustment gear screw requires a 4 mm Allen key. Make sure you have one before getting started. The plastic cover on the caliper lower mounting bolt just pulls off. To remove the disc, you may have to place a block of wood against it (turn disc and repeat) and whack it gently with a hammer.

Generally good but missing some basic instructions on removing some parts before completing the desired task.

This book was purchased along with other "I just bought a used car" items (plugs, belts, you know the routine) at the parts store. Because I'd had good experience with Haynes manuals before, it seemed like a Good Idea At The Time.

If I'd known then what I know now...

If Haynes was interested in releasing repair manuals for Miatae, they would've released two for the NA (1990 - 1997) series, because the 1990-93 was a 1.6L engine and the 1994-97 was 1.8L. There are enough differences between the engines to merit two different volumes, and Haynes doesn't do a great job of pointing out the differences between the two. The illustration about spark plug firing order, to name one example, is awkward enough to make you set your tools down and ponder before proceeding. Information in a repair manual should be succinct, not confusing.

If you want good reference material for your Miata (why else would you be reading this?), use the following resources BEFORE cracking open the Haynes:
- www . miata . net - specifically, the FAQ and garage sections.
- Mazda's shop manual for your specific year, available from many online vendors. This is invaluable and will pay for itself over time.
- Rod Grainger's "Enthusiast's Manual" by for your flavor, 1.6L or 1.8L, also available from many online vendors (including Amazon.com!).
- Your local Miata club, also found at www . miata . net

I'm not affiliated with any person, company, product, or web site I've mentioned in this review. I'm just one Miata enthusiast trying to help others.

I remember the original Haynes manuals from the sixties, having used several for working on Austin-Healeys and MGs. I remember them as having a lot of character, and reading them was almost like a conversation with a crusty old mechanic. Those old books seemed to share my love for these absurdly fragile and troublesome cars. This new book for the Miata shares little beyond the "Haynes" logo with with its legacy. Sadly, this new Haynes manual has a style more along the lines of Chilton's or other "fix your jalopy" guides. That is to say, no style at all. And no love.

What is more, the book suffers from assembly-line construction, with boiler-plate sections on tires, batteries, body care, etc., that are way too generic to be of any value to a Miata owner/lover. For example, the battery section is for a lead-acid battery, never mind the Miata has a "gel-cell" type. Want to set the timing on your Miata?... you won't find sufficient information in the Haynes guide to do the job.

The advantage to the Haynes guide is, it's cheap compared to the factory service manual. But, in this writer's humble opinion, it's not worth what it cost.

I bought the book when i got a used Miata without owner's manual. I found it does not specify which fuse works what devices, and that's what I need. Oh well...

Nissan: Maxima 1993-98 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manual)

Not very useful and I was able to download a much better and detailed manual. This is basically useless.

This book is equally helpful as the rest of the Chilton's series. Great resource for the quick fix or total overall. Highly recommended.

This book is equally helpful as the rest of the Chilton's series. Great resource for the quick fix or total overall. Highly recommended.

Chilton's drawings are obscure, info is incomplete, and their approach presumes you are a professional mechanic. Haynes repair guide is a bit cheaper and much better for the moderate to accomplished do-it-yourselfer.

This manual is probably suited for more advanced do-it-yourself repair individuals. Step-by-step instructions are vague and confusing. I identified an error (PCV valve location on '95-98 engines) on my first review which threw me off totally. I'm sure there are plenty of other errors. I'm not thrilled at all of the blow-up drawings. I just don't trust the book period!

Anybody have info. on where I can purchase a book on this subject - one that is useful? Having read many of the reviews associated with a lot of the books listed doesn't look too promising! Thank you.

Could not find a 1995 760 repair manual. Some expert say that the 1993 (i.e. available) is the same. However, some say that the 1995 version will probably out within a year. Need help in this matter.. Thanks

I bought this manual because it appears to be the only one that covers my '92 740 Turbo Wagon (short of the Volvo technical manuals). I have found it to be poorly orginaized, poorly illustrated, and poorly indexed. For example: information on the throttle body and idle adjustmemts are found in the section on Chassis Electrical and are NOT indexed at all. Key throttle linkage adjustments are in another area and will require a page by page review to find again. This information should be in the section on the fuel system. Many dozens of other examples could be cited. Haynes, a competitive publisher of automotive manuals, is missing a real opportunity here.

A 1 star rating is given because no 0 star rating is available.

The manual has very litte information concering the instalation and removal of the radio.The same can be said for the installation/removal of the water pump. I found it difficulat to find the capasities for the fluids. I would not recomend buying this book for any Volvo owners.

Could not find a 1995 960 repair manual. Some expert say that the 1993 (i.e. available) is the same. However, some say that the 1995 version will probably out within a year. Need help in this matter.. Thanks P.S. IT IS A 960 not 760

Very good user guide for do-it-yourselfers. Recommend getting the Hayes Manual too. The two compliment each other. Why pay mechanics for what you can do yourself.

They tried to cover too much in too little space. Very limited electrical schematics and poor descriptions. Sorry I bought it and am looking for another one.

Frankly, I haven't been all that impressed with any of the repair manual's issued for Volvo. All third-party manuals tend to be vague and overly broad; Chilton's is particularly poorly focused, unnecessarily ambitious in model year breadth and maddening incomplete in coverage. I cannot reccomend this manual as a sole source for the enterprising shade tree mechanic. Yet, there are times when I find it as an essential compliment to the Haynes manual. Haynes is published out of England, and tends to ignore features specific to US model cars (FI troubleshooting is a weakness of the Haynes; Chilton's manual covers this area at an acceptible level.

Yes, this book does cover a models, and for that I give it two stars. However, many times I felt like I was doing something wrong. The book can too short sometimes, leaving the reader wondering what to do next.

Volvo is a company that needs more car manuals. They make very good cars and it's a shame that most of the better manuals are not sold in stores.

If you want to learn more about your Volvo, then get this book along with your dealer's manuals. I also highly recommend Auto Repair for Dummies by Deanna Sclar.

This repair manual claims to have 500 pages covering all Volvo models from 1990 to 1998. It has barely 200 pages and it only gives a semblance of covering those models well. The manual gives illustrations of repair function on one model, but gives none for the other models. It uses engine repair illustrations that are not even Volvo engines. There are few illustrations of repair functions of the 960 model.