Haynes manuals are written specifically for the do-it-yourselfer, yet are complete enough to be used by professional mechanics. Since 1960 Haynes has produced manuals written from hands-on experience based on a vehicle teardown with hundreds of photos and illustrations, making Haynes the world leader in automotive repair information.
Great reference book. Easy to use and understand. Covers most of the repairs any car owner would want to do.
As other reviewers have stated it has little for the later model RAV4s. The truth is there is so much variation from 1996 to 2010 it would be very difficult to cover the needed material. I have a 2007 with a V-6 and find little information not available elsewhere. Current pictures and diagrams are missing.
The details on how to remove and install things was okay, but the manual covers mostly basic equipment. It would be better if optional equipment was covered. This was especially true for the electrical schematics.
I bought this manual to help me do some body repairs on a 2003 Rav4. I had originally seen some pages online that had nice diagrams of the front of the car being taken apart.
Pros:
This manual covers almost everything. It has some nice details of different parts of the car, and typically has step by step instructions for basic repairs.
Cons:
The manual covers a lot of different Rav4 years. The actual Rav4 has changed a lot between 1996 and 2010, and the Haynes manual has dealt with this by adding paragraphs to describe how do remove a part on a specific model.
However, haynes also seems to have removed some pictures to make room for information on more models. They might have a picture for taking apart part of a 1996 model Rav4 but not the same picture of a 2003.
I found this especially frustrating as Haynes also has an online presence. A simple solution would be to provide the extra details online once you have purchased a paper manual.
The manual is based mostly on 2006 and earlier Rav4s. There were some design changes in the 2007 that are not reflected here, especially in the rear suspension.
I was very pleased with my shipment. I was looking for this book all over and finally found it throu you. It took a little longer than I expected but I got it.
I have boughten a Haynes Repair Manual book for every car that I have owned. Even though I’m a simple do-it-yourself person, not a super mechhanic who’s going to rip apart a transmission etc, this book is a must have book. It’s simple and shows you where this is at and that is at, eliminates the guesswork. Spend the $20 and buy the book, you wont be sorry.
If you like to save money and willing to do your own maintenance and some repairs this book will
make it simple.
Shows everything I need in the book. A must have for the DIY kind of guy. Great illustrations plus pictures.
I have not used the book yet, but in skimming through it, it seems to be pretty thorough. It is a good purchase for the money and came in right on time.