I was thinking of picking this up - is this book worth it?

They seem to sell for close to $100, but there is one on eBay that seems cheap for now (under $20).

How is this book? I had a 04 40th AE, but I am thinking of a 4S again since I had to sell the AE.

 

The book does make one mistake with the 40th in that is says it came with a 3rd center mount radiator. They do not, unless it was ordered as an option. There are other minor errors as well.

Still, very informative book on the car and systems. The how to DIY is very limited though as are performance mods.

It is certainly worth $20

Paul

 

Yes .!

 

YES!

 

Yes!

 

Also 101 projects for you 996.

 

Agree with the all the above. Both (essential guide and 101 projects) are good references to have.

 

Yes. The $20 is likely the '996 Essential Buyers Guide', not the '996 Essential Companion' which is the bible of 996 ownership.

Search the net for prices. Several months ago I was able to buy this book from Overstock.com for $72. amazon has it for $81 and Prime eligible.

 

x2. I initially made the error myself.

 

it's an interesting read for a new owner. I however haven't looked at my copy for a long time and now only reference the Bentley manual.

 

Badass and it was about 85$.

 

All of Adrian's Essential books are interesting reads. Gives you the history of the breed, specs and as others mentioned performance mods. I have several of these for the different models. The buyers guide is pretty much a waste. 101 Projects is a nice something to have but I am on the fence about saying buy it.

 

Not sure why everybody likes 101 Projects. All of those DIY projects are available on-line at youtube, Rennlist, Pelican, Renntech etc, etc. The 996 essential guide a great read but ultimately I rarely use it.

 

I bought the "101 Projects" book before I found the online version. For $20 I guess it's worth not risking a dropped tablet on the garage floor. The Bentley manual I'm very interested in getting very soon as I plan to do as much of my own servicing as possible.

 

I agree with the comments about the "101 projects" book - if you prefer to get grease all over a book rather than all over your laptop/tablet, buy the book.

The 996 Essential book - well, if you want to be able to settle arguments about specific features (i.e. whether or not there's a fuel cooler on the '99 Carrera 4 (there is)), or you want to delve into the various features in some depth, it's worthwhile. I don't find myself referencing it that often - it's generally as easy to find the answer you need online than to go get the book, dig around in the index, and find what you're looking for.