February 23, 200521 yr 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!
February 23, 200521 yr 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.
February 23, 200521 yr Go with Haynes. Written more clearly and the layout is better. I guess one could have both but I always turn to Haynes.
February 23, 200521 yr Try to find the Factory Service Manual for your car. Haynes and Chilton pale in comparison, especially concerning the bigger undertakings. Jay
February 23, 200521 yr I have the Haynes manual for my 95 Legacy. I like their books, and have bought one for every "new" car I acquire.
February 23, 200521 yr 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.
February 24, 200521 yr In order of merit: Factory Manual Haynes General Automotive Diagnostic/Repair book Chilton
February 24, 200521 yr 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.
February 24, 200521 yr 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
February 24, 200521 yr 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?
February 24, 200521 yr They are one and the same now; one bought the other out... cant remember which. Having one is better than nothing.... but not much
February 25, 200521 yr 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...
February 25, 200521 yr 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.
February 25, 200521 yr 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.
February 25, 200521 yr The knock sensor being screwn into a coolant passage is the only fault I have found in my well used Haynes.
February 25, 200521 yr 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.
February 27, 200521 yr 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?
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