Thanks misar, I hadn't spotted that FAQ.

Doesn't answer my question about how good they are though and I wouldn't expect it to.

I was talking to one of my neighbours who does quite a lot of his own car stuff about on-line manuals. There's nothing like a book for flicking through.

Same principle different area but for my work I find using the Child Poverty Action Group's guides to benefits far easier in book form than on-line access.

I probably will take the plunge at some point but fortunately at the moment, I don't need one. The fifth service due in July is just an oil change and tyre kick.

Hoping not to have any need for one for a few years, but a manual is useful not just for major work and torque settings, but also for things like trim removal where breakages can occur if you are too heavy handed. YT can be useful if you can find someone who actually has a clue what they are doing. Otherwise you are watching some guy with a large hammer and little engineering skill.

I think the Astra K is a fairly recent addition to the Haynes line up.

I always tried to buy second hand Haynes manuals but obviously that route is closed with the online version. I guess the greasy fingermarks can be taken either way. A well looked after car or one that was always off the road.

I think Haynes manuals used to be more comprehensive than they are now but that's largely because cars have become more complicated. For example they used to include removing,dismantling and overhauling the manual gearbox. Now they still tell you how to remove it but the rest is now a 'specialist' job so is not covered. I'm not doubting that's the case though - and it probably always was that way with automatics.

Well, that's depressing.

Not only do new cars suck (I knew that), but the manuals for new cars suck as well.

Not at all suprising.

But depressing.

Haynes manuals were the right idea at the right time. The right time has long gone.

Of huge value when cars were basic engineering capable of diy maintenance and repair by anybody with a modest tool kit and the will to do it. Wiring diagram for my Triumph Herald may have taken just two pages. It would now take 20+ pages of workshop manual for a similar segment new car.

Cars are now more reliable, need servicing and fixing less often, require specialist diagnostic gear (and the ability to use it). Online resources did not exist 40 years ago, scarcely existed 20 years ago, and are now commonplace. For most jobs there is an online owners forum, and youtube guides.

Sadly missed, not forgotten, but like the horse and cart or CRT television, largely obselete.