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Another Prius Repair Manual

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jrmgkia, Apr 21, 2008.

  1. jrmgkia

    jrmgkia Wish I was cycling

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    There has been much discussion about the Haynes Repair Manual for the Prius, but today I noticed a new 2004-2008 Prius Repair Manual on Amazon. Unlike the Haynes manual this one only covers the 2004-2008 Prius, it costs 44 dollars, and it is pre-order right now (ships in June 2008). I have never heard of the publisher, do any of you have experience with repair manuals from "Bently Publishers?" Here is the link to Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/0837615534?tag=priuschatcom-20 is the link to the publishers site: Toyota Prius Repair and Maintenance Manual: 2004-2008

     
  2. tomctomc

    tomctomc Junior Member

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    I have the Bentley manual for my Passat... it is about 4 times as thick (and comprehensive) as the Haynes Prius manual. If the Bentley manual for the Prius is anything like the one for my VW, it is an excellent product and well worth $44..
     
  3. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    I have the manual in question from Amazon. Its laid out like any other Haynes.
    Not bad some good info a few mistakes but its a Haynes.Well spent $ 19.
     
  4. KTPhil

    KTPhil Active Member

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    Bentley is much more comprehensive than Haynes in this case. It's a much better value.
     
  5. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    All Data DIY is online, and typically for under $20 per year, you will have access to the same factory shop manual, including TSB's, that Toyota offers with TechInfo
     
  6. curiousdriver

    curiousdriver New Member

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    Factory manuals are the way to go, imo. The Haynes manuals are junk. The one for our beetle was a waste of money.
     
  7. okiebutnotfrommuskogee

    okiebutnotfrommuskogee Senior Member

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    I have a Bentley manual for the Prius and get this -- I bought it at the Bentley Publishers booth at Hybridfest for the ""Show Special"" price of $60.00. Now it is on Amazon for only $44.00. Kinda got ripped off, but it is a good manual.
     
  8. dorf

    dorf Member

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    Bentley is the way to go for the average DIY guy.

    Say no to Haynes.

    I've got both.

    The factory manuals are too expensive for what is needed by most.
     
  9. wdarnold

    wdarnold Junior Member

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    Where do you get the factory manual? Is it only available from the dealer? My regular mechanic thought he could fix my Prius if I had the factory manual.

    Dave
    Hampton, VA
     
  10. dorf

    dorf Member

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    Just my 2 cents.

    I would definately seek out a Toyota Dealer that is experienced working on a Prius.

    You don't say what year you have or what is wrong

    The factory manuals are available from the toyota website about $400.00 also on their DIY on-line service.

    The Bently book is great providing lots of info.

    The prius is just a different type of Beast.

    Again......Just my 2 cents
     
  11. Starky

    Starky Prius fan

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    Just let it be known that aftermarket is not sitting idly by and washing their hands from the hybrid repair and service. In most automotive training conferences last few years, hybrid training sessions have been the most popular classes and are always well attended. There are many qualified instructors all over the country that do a very good job of providing training for the dealers as well as aftermarket technicians.

    Organizations such as ACDC (no...not the band!) doing a great job for hybrid training and offer classes from introductory level up to a one week hands-on detail course (called: Up Your Voltage!) on which 4 hybrid cars are taken apart and put back together.

    ACDC can be found on the web as auto-careers.org (sorry...I cannot post links yet) and the owner/manager which I am proud to say is a good friend of mine has been teaching hybrid cars since 1999, and is one of the most qualified hybrid instructors in the country and is considered the Hybrid Guru in the industry. His company has probably now owns six hybrid vehicles of many brands that all have been taken apart, put back together a few times and are driven every day.

    Regards,
     
  12. fgoodyear

    fgoodyear New Member

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    Bentley is the best! I have had the Haynes Manuals for my last 7 cars. They are very good, BUT...Not like the Bentley. Well worth the money if you are a DIY person. And what's this pre order? I ordered mine in the fall and got it in 3 days.:)
     
  13. johnford

    johnford Old Junior Member

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    I have a Bently for my "other car", a Classic 900 Saab Convertable. Didn't know they made one for the Prius. I love my Prius, and I love my C900 Vert too. Of course it has lots more "little" things that need fixing and the Bently has been top notch with answers to most all my "little" questions. Without seeing the Prius version, I could recommend it.... jf :thumb:
     
  14. 13Plug

    13Plug Active Member

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  15. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    It's better, but if your trying to figure out how to take apart the suspension system, its not good enough.

    True story ~_~.
     
  16. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Why not just spend the $14-$16 bucks for a yearly All Data DIY subscription?
     
  17. fgoodyear

    fgoodyear New Member

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    I have had the Bentley Book for months, It doesn't get much better unless you got the much more expensive Toyota factory manual. This manual uses a lot of official Toyota diagrams and stuff. I recommend it.:)
     
  18. TreffEdwards

    TreffEdwards Hybrid Family

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    I actually am wanting to buy a Bentley! I have a Chilton right now and it sucks i think. I have a Haynes for my last 3 VW's and they where suboptimal.. But got me by, my uncle is a mechanic and so if I get in a pickle he just helps me out. :) Question tho: Can I take the Hybrid classes? I'm a big hands on guy and love the knowledge! I have 4 friends that own all different Hybrids and I am always the one that gets called when there is a problem.. So any and all information is GREAT! I am going to order my Bentley manual now!
     
  19. wag

    wag Junior Member

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    No one will be disappointed with the Bentley Manual. It has already paid for itself many times over in my case. It fits so well in the storage area under the hatchback and gives you the same comfortable insurance type feeling as carrying a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

    Wayne
     
  20. Wayne_McCracken

    Wayne_McCracken Junior Member

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    2009 Prius
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    Main question: I have a 2009 model and am looking at getting the Bentley repair manual. The only concern is that it says it covers the model years 2004 through 2008. I think that the 2009 is identical or at least very close to previous models. Does anybody know for sure that it completely covers the 2009 models??

    One other thing. I have a Bentley software manual for my 2001 VW Passat and have used it successfully for several years. It comes as installable software on a CD and has a built in search engine to assist finding what you want. You can then print out a section to use for a repair. Anything like that for the Prius?