Customer Reviews

Chrysler Neon, 1995-99 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manuals)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I've never even seen a Haynes manual in a parts store, and the one I did see at a friend's garage really didn't impress me.

Chilton has exploded diagrams and some good photos that really help with walking through most procedures. It's still the first thing I buy after acquiring a new (to me) set of wheels, along with all the usual and sundry tuneup parts.

However, I would suggest holding out on buying anything *new* from Chilton. In this day and age, you should be able to buy a CD/ book bundle for $(...). Furthermore, there should be more detailed exploded diagrams of parts and module assemblies, especially in complex processes like timing belt operations.

Specifically, adjusting a window is a fairly simple operation, but Chilton never tells you which direction to turn the regulators. That's a little bit of trial-and-error you might avoid with a little extra text and a much better drawing of a raw door.

Finally, Chilton does a disservice to folks who want to recharge their AC systems. They rightly claim that AC work needs to be done by a licensed tech, but recharging a system isn't really something you need full licensing to perform. And helpful diagnostics like adding dye to the system can really save time when it comes to doing a repair.

So, in conclusion, it's the standard for repair manuals, but the content and delivery of media has not kept up with technology and there are still some omissions of procedures and diagrammatic instructions that should never happen.

EXCELLENT REPAIR MANUAL FOR AN OLDER CAR LIKE '95 NEON! VERY DETAILED FOR DO-IT-YOURSELF-ER! THANKS

OTHER REVIEWER GAVE THIS BOOK 5 STARS. IF YOU READ THE REVIEW CAREFULLY THE BOOK WASN'T EVEN OUT YET WHEN THE REVIEW WAS WRITTEN. WELL I SAW THE BOOK AND IT STINKS. TYPICAL VAGUE DO-IT-YOURSELF TIRE CHANGING BOOK. SAVE YOUR MONEY. BUY A HAYNES BOOK. THEY REALLY TAKE THE CAR APART. ALL CHILTON DOES IS TAKE THE BOOK OUT OF THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND FLUFF IT UP.

Chilton's manual are an asset for car owners with more advanced mechanical skills. They are affordable and contain material not found in other consumer manuals......the Neon edition is not yet released but I'm sure it will be as good as previous manuals.

Every Chilton manual I own blows the comparative haynes manual out of the water. Haynes manuals are for those who like to do the job half way. So finish it right and buy this manual.

I agree with what Kalamazoo had to say, I have BOTH the Haynes book and the Chilton book. Compared to Haynes, Chilton isn't fit to tear apart and start the kindling with. Chilton is completely worthless as far as containing useful or accurate information or diagrams. I learned more from the owner's manual and underhood diagrams (which are pitiful in the Neon, BTW) than from the Chilton book. Believe me, that is the LAST time I'll ever be suckered into wasting my money on ANYTHIng by Chilton. I honestly don't know how they can stay in business with the dreck they pawn off on the public...Maybe they won't..

OTHER REVIEWER GAVE THIS BOOK 5 STARS. IF YOU READ THE REVIEW CAREFULLY THE BOOK WASN'T EVEN OUT YET WHEN THE REVIEW WAS WRITTEN. WELL I SAW THE BOOK AND IT STINKS. TYPICAL VAGUE DO-IT-YOURSELF TIRE CHANGING BOOK. SAVE YOUR MONEY. BUY A HAYNES BOOK. THEY REALLY TAKE THE CAR APART. ALL CHILTON DOES IS TAKE THE BOOK OUT OF THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND FLUFF IT UP.

Contrary to what Kalamazoo had to say, I have BOTH the Haynes book and the Chilton book. Compared to Chilton, Haynes isn't fit to tear apart and start the kindling with. Haynes is completely worthless as far as containing useful or accurate information or diagrams. I learned more from the owner's manual and underhood diagrams (which are pitiful in the Neon, BTW) than from the Haynes book. Believe me, that is the LAST time I'll ever be suckered into wasting my money on ANYTHIng by Haynes. I honestly don't know how they can stay in business with the dreck they pawn off on the public...