lager68 Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 Any preferences on Haynes or Chiltons, just bought a '97 Outback wagon last week and was wondering if one book is preferable over the other?? Thanks all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subaron Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 I prefer the Haynes book over Chilton. I think Haynes gives more detail and Chiltons is notorious for publishing incorrect bolt torque specs. Haynes has a book that covers '90-'98 Legacy & Outback models. I have that one and it has been very helpful in doing maintenance and repairs on my '91 Legacy. It was only about $15 at amazon.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teppichkopf Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 Go with Haynes. Written more clearly and the layout is better. I guess one could have both but I always turn to Haynes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravelRX Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 Try to find the Factory Service Manual for your car. Haynes and Chilton pale in comparison, especially concerning the bigger undertakings. Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT95 Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 I have the Haynes manual for my 95 Legacy. I like their books, and have bought one for every "new" car I acquire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wae Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 I second the OEM FSM for the car. Chilton's tends to be a little too generic, and Haynes seems to go into excruciating detail on dumb things ("step 574: remove the top left bolt holding the hood to the hinge by turning anti-clockwise. step 575: remove the bottom left bolt holding the hood...") and gloss over really important steps that I need some guidance with ("step 34: put the engine on a stand. step 35: overhaul engine. step 36: re-install engine"). Having both the Haynes and the Chilton's, though, can usually get you through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted February 24, 2005 Share Posted February 24, 2005 In order of merit: Factory Manual Haynes General Automotive Diagnostic/Repair book Chilton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottbaru Posted February 24, 2005 Share Posted February 24, 2005 Why does the Haynes cover '90 thru '98, didn't this series go through '99? I found the same thing on my 80-series Landcruisers, they stopped one year before the series ended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uniberp Posted February 24, 2005 Share Posted February 24, 2005 In order of merit: Factory Manual Haynes General Automotive Diagnostic/Repair book Chilton My list of order of merit: Factory Manual Haynes General Automotive Diagnostic/Repair book User Manual Phone Book Superman #38 Torn piece of cardboard Chilton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted February 24, 2005 Share Posted February 24, 2005 If you're doing anything more than oil changes and belts, it's worth it to find an FSM for the car. They can be had on ebay for not too much $$$. You can also get FSMs on CD for like $20. I've never tried them, but it sounds kinda slick. Anybody have experience with those? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorganM Posted February 24, 2005 Share Posted February 24, 2005 They are one and the same now; one bought the other out... cant remember which. Having one is better than nothing.... but not much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singletrack Posted February 24, 2005 Share Posted February 24, 2005 In order of merit: USMB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlipSquad Posted February 24, 2005 Share Posted February 24, 2005 In order of merit: USMB HELMS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedi_knight01 Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 My problems with the Haynes version is recently I need to replace a Knock Sensor and it tell me to remove the intake manifold, plus drain the engine fluid to access it... I find form a picture at this site and talking to a mechanic that that is not true... I do have haynes, but plan on buying the factory one instead... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subaru X Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 why not both? I have both and when I need even more information I go to the public libary. They have at most libaries some pretty in detail manuals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 Chilton's in worthless, Haynes is evil, take your pick. I prefer FSM, though my experience with http://www.alldata.com has been very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 The knock sensor being screwn into a coolant passage is the only fault I have found in my well used Haynes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnuman Posted February 25, 2005 Share Posted February 25, 2005 The knock sensor being screwn into a coolant passage is the only fault I have found in my well used Haynes. They also failed to mention the spring clip that holds the clutch cable housing to the bracket near the top of the clutch pedal. There are mistakes in many service manuals. the difference between Haynes and Chiltons is one of style, nothing more. Each has good information. I use both on occasion. When I cannot find the information in either, and inspection does not provide the answer, I come in here. My advice is to look at both, and see which one you are more comfortable with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yarikoptic Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 Does any one of you dealt with MOD which is shipped on CD(s)? Is it any good or it just awkward to don't have manual in hands whenever it is really necessary? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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