Customer Reviews

Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX-330, 1999-2006

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Book was missing the error code I was looking for, P0135, so I had to search the internet to find what code meant. The pages are as thin as newspaper. My owner's manual states 87 octane or higher. Book has 91 octane or higher. So always check a second source before you start working on the vehicle.

As another reviewer commented, this book is good for determining whether the owner wants to try make a repair himself or bring the repair to a dealer who has specialized tools and experienced mechanics. It also gives more detail on maintenance than is provided by the manufacturer.

But the black-and-white, low contrast photos in this manual are 1930s technology. Often one cannot distinguish the blurred parts being mentioned due to the poor photography. Hello editor? Ever heard of digital photography and Photoshop? Things have changed in photography since Jimmy Olson was reporting for the Daily Planet in the Superman comics during the Great Depression.

The index is general and leaves out too many topics forcing the reader to read every page to find the topic. When this book was written on a typewriter, indeces were hard to compile; now, the lack of a detailed index means someone did not bother to run the manuscript through the index compiler in some word processing software.

The editor needs at least to footnote when models differ completely from the techniques and pictures shown. For example, the procedure for replacing the rear backup light bulb on an RX 330 2005 model is different from the procedure shown in the manual: the manual shows a simple removal of a side panel, while the 2005 model does not have a side panel on the chassis (a plastic bumper spanning the entire length of the rear tail gate has to be removed to access the bulb socket).

Haynes needs to refresh this series with new photography, fact checking and a detailed index.

As an owner of a high mileage 2002 Highlander with a 3-L engine, I find myself at the door of the local repair shop much more frequently these days. I am a pretty experienced mechanic; however, I really would rather spend my time doing something other that car repairs. In these tough economic times things change. I have to get the tools, jacks, jackstands, and ramps out more and more often. The Highlander is a pretty complicated little car. I bought the Haynes Repair Manual, and it is helpful. The only real assumption Haynes makes is that they expect the mechanic to have basic knowledge and ability to adequately attack the task. All of the available manuals have this expectation. I like the Haynes as a pretty good reference. I have used Motor, Chiltons, and manufacturer's manuals. Haynes is equal to or better than all of them. I give this book 4/5 stars only because mechanics always wish for more than they have. We always want better pictures, illustrations (especially good exploded illustrations), and explanations. Again, I think that the Haynes manuals are pretty helpful.

I own the Lexus RX-300 version, and the book does a remarkable job at covering this car from head to toe. At 10 years old, I MUST avoid high labor costs to make the car affordable, and there's enough good info in here to help the cause.

This is a typical Haynes repair manual, with all of the strengths and weaknesses of the Haynes manuals (the photos are black and white -- often not terribly clear). But the book has all the typical features. If you like them in general, you will find this one helpful. The downside is that the text in this book is essentially the same as the text in the Chilton's book.

This book is good even the back cover has some burn, it's still good for me just look at it when needs!

Not as good as the shop manual but a heck of a lot cheaper. A must have for those that can't afford the shop manual.

Good reference manual for the price. Used it numerous times and no complaints thus far.

Typical Haynes repair manual. Enough to do the simple jobs and even more complex.
A good guide for determining if you want to tackle the job or take it to your favorite mechanic.

This manual is by far the best one on the market, for instruction, and pictures.