Haynes or Chilton?

[Will_4R]

Now that our generation has stopped being produced, Haynes and Chilton have come out with manuals for them. I have the PDF verson of the Toyota FSM but want to get one of these two to carry around, and for simplicity. Any comments on how the two compare?

Edit: I should add that I am a novice when it comes to auto maintenance and repair, but am trying to learn.

 

[r32]

Curious as to why you feel the need to carry them around, if you already have the PDF's from Toyota on disc?

 

[Will_4R]

Curious as to why you feel the need to carry them around, if you already have the PDF's from Toyota on disc?

Field repairs, and I like the way Haynes has step by step instructions with requiered tools listed and photographs.

 

[jharris2]

Typically, I've preferred Haynes because the photos make it clearer to me. But maybe you could stop by an auto store and look at each? Trying to remember which chain carries both ....

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I will only use the factory shop manual. The others try to cover to many years and are not detailed enough for me. When I buy a new vehicle when I get the dealer to where he will not come down on the price anymore and they are ready to throw me out, I ask for them to through in money for a set of factory shop manuals and they always do.

 

[toto]

I tried a Haynes manual a few years ago. The fact that there was lots of writing in it appealed to me as well, but as soon as I tried to figure out an actual problem, I quickly found that it was way too vague, and the FSM was an infinitely better resource. Even though the FSM is thin on explanation, the pictures are worth over 1000 words, and it's the only place to get good step-by-step instructions.

 

[blaniac22]

THis is probably overkill, but I have the factory shop manual on disc as well. But I also have a Haynes and Chilton. Each seems to have it's strengths and weaknesses as others have pointed out.

I recently changed a timing belt on my 97 Camry and ended up using all 3 references (Camry versions of course ).

 

[Will_4R]

I went ahead and ordered the Haynes from Amazon. For $20 it seemed hard to go wrong. I can compare it to the FSM for any particular job. I like the diagrams in the FSM, but I like the way the Haynes holds your hand through each task.

 

[blaniac22]

I went ahead and ordered the Haynes from Amazon. For $20 it seemed hard to go wrong. I can compare it to the FSM for any particular job. I like the diagrams in the FSM, but I like the way the Haynes holds your hand through each task.

That's what I like about the Haynes as well, I use the different manuals because the pictures are sometimes taken at a slightly different angle or the narrative can clarify what the others are trying to say.

Good luck!

 

[4Runner8]

i saw the haynes one which looks pretty good. it was featured in 4 wheel drive magazine