Customer Reviews

Buick, Olds, Pontiac Full-Size FWD Models, 1985 Thru 2005 (Haynes Repair Manual)

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

 

 

I don't so much have a problem with the instructions, but the pictures are just not acceptable. They're often so dark and blurry that they resemble a Rorschach test more than any kind of discernable auto part. Even daguerreotype quality photos would have been an improvement. And frequently the instructions refer to auto parts that don't even merit a picture, which exercises one deductive reasoning skills, I suppose. Note to editors: PICTURES ARE IMPORTANT! If a person doesn't know what a certain part looks like, he's a bit lost when he's told to remove it or adjust it. To be fair, I couldn't have done a lot of repairs without this book, but that was in spite of the sadistic photographic illustrations.

I purchased this Manual for my 99 Buick Park Avenue Ultra. This manual is great for basics, but wasn't real helpful for the Intake Manifold and changing out the Supercharger on my car. It has no torque specs or photos for a supercharged engine. Other than that, not bad!

As a young'un, I cut my teeth on the Chilton Auto Repair Manuals (the thick ones, that cover all American models for a seven year period) to aid in fixing my vehicles. As I became more ambitious with my repair/modify projects, I required something more in-depth--enter the platform/generation-specific manual. They were a big improvement, but still seemed somewhat lacking. Eventually I discovered that the Haynes manuals were more comprehensive and in-depth (much to my chagrin, seeing as how Haynes is a UK-based publisher and I'm a dyed-in-the-wool 'Merican). To this day, Haynes is my go-to reference for vehicle repair.

The thing is, these manuals are aimed at intermediate-level do-it-yourselfers, not the pros, and thus still omit a great amount of detail. One particular example I can cite is the lack of specificity in trim attachment on the various models covered. I had a dickens of a time figuring-out how to remove the door panel on my 1990 LeSabre because the manual described the procedure for the Oldsmobile, which is slightly different. Once the panel was off, I was on my own as to how to fix the lock mechanism, which was the whole point of the exercise. Other examples range from incomplete diagrams for evolving mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems (brakes and heater controls, in my case) to inconclusive part locations and lack of images to aid in locating said parts. You get the idea.

Anyway, on the whole, Haynes Repair Manuals are extremely useful for the person looking to do the more common repairs. If your project is somewhat more obscure, technical, or you just need a highly detailed resource, hit a swap meet and look for "chassis" or "shop" manuals. Qualified recommended.

I realize it is difficult to cover this 10 year span comprehensively. In my opinion this edition should have been seperated. The information I needed pertained to the digital climate control but the manual is illustrated with the old 1985 style. A lot of info carries over but a lot doesn't.

The pictures didn't look like my model car and it used wording that only a person well versed in car repair can understand. I prefer looking up fixes in Youtube.

Just as described..Book in very good condition and help me with my repairs. I have All data diy...but the book give a little more detail on repairs for someone that is not a full time mechanic.

I was slighty suspicious with this manual being so few pages for covering twenty years of full size models over three makes of cars. It doesn't say this on the front cover, but on the first, introduction page it says in small print that it excludes any V8 models, rear-wheel drive models, or supercharged models. And then it goes on with the description of being only for the C and H body types as well. I have one with a V8 and so this manual has nothing to do with my car.. I'm just saying it would be much clearer as to what you're buying with this important imformation.

Husband was approaching a major project on the car. Had gone to a couple places locally who did not have the book in stock. Decided to give Amazon a try and lo and behold, not only was it available, but it was also cheaper than buying locally. Also, it was a very easy and fast transaction. Thanks much!

Book arrived quickly, was packaged well and arrived in excellent condition, I was grateful to purchase the book at considerable savings. I'm a happy customer.