Which manual is better for me..Haynes or Bently

[Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)]

Kate,

I have found both manuals to be useful at different times.

The Haynes is generally considered to be too generic to be much help, and
often much of the information is copied from one manual to the other,
especially in domestic cars.  The more experienced mechanics talk "toungue
in cheek" about Haynes procedures.

The Bently is far more detailed and you can almost always find what you are
looking for.  It is all too easy to get caught up in the amount of detail
provided, and it takes time to get used to the layout and format of the
Bently series.

If you are just starting out, the Haynes may well be the way to go,
especially since it is far less expensive.  If you start doing regular
service, or want to have more detailed manual available for your
professional mechanic, the Bently is a must and is certainly well worth the
price.

I will add the one comment that I found the 5000 series Haynes seems to be
better than most Haynes manuals for other cars I've seen.  I have several
times found something in there that I couldn't find in the Bently.

In a nutshell - get both if you can afford to.  Use the Haynes if just
starting out.  Use the Bently for more extensive service, expecially where
wiring diagrams are concerned.

Hope that helps,

Ben