Choosing between two used hardcover copies of the same automotive textbook can be tougher than it looks. Both carry the title Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, both list Tim Gilles as the author, and both are hardcover. The listed prices are $98.29 and $50.11, and the condition grades are Very Good and Acceptable. If you're adding a service reference to your automotive shelf, you have to decide whether the higher-priced copy's condition is worth the extra money or whether the lower-priced copy gets you the same title at a friendlier price. So what matters more, condition or cost?
Quick verdict
If you want a cleaner condition grade, the Very Good hardcover has the edge. If you'd rather put less money on the table and can live with Acceptable condition, the lower-priced hardcover is the sensible pick. Both share the same title and author, so the decision comes down to price versus condition. In most cases, the choice depends on how much wear you're willing to tolerate and how you plan to use the book.
Listed-price comparison
| Copy | Listed Price | Price Bar | Condition | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair - Hardcover - VERY GOOD | USD 98.29 | Very Good | 9781337794039 | |
| Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair | USD 50.11 | Acceptable | 9781305110595 |
The two listed prices differ by $48.18, with the higher-priced copy in Very Good condition and the lower-priced copy in Acceptable condition. They also carry different ISBNs, so keep that in mind when identifying the copy you want.
Where each copy wins
- The Very Good copy wins if you want a higher condition grade and a hardcover that includes a Revised feature note. It's the stronger pick when presentation matters.
- The Acceptable copy wins if your priority is spending less while still getting the same title and author. This is the lower-priced route in this matchup.
Product notes
Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair - Hardcover - VERY GOOD
This is the higher-priced of the two hardcover copies. It carries a Very Good condition grade and a Revised feature note, which makes it stand out if you want a more presentable copy for your shelf or work area. It has an item height of 11 inches and the ISBN is 9781337794039. If you choose this copy, you're paying extra for the condition grade. Textbooks may not include supplemental items such as CDs or access codes, so keep that in mind if you expect extras beyond the book itself.
Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair
This is the lower-priced hardcover in the matchup and it comes with an Acceptable condition grade. It has an item height of 4.3 inches, an item length of 0.9 inches, an item weight of 123.1 ounces, and the ISBN is 9781305110595. If you're mainly looking for the title and author and can accept a copy that shows wear, this is the cost-conscious route. A stock photo may be different from the actual cover, so don't assume the cover you see is the exact one you'll receive. The trade-off is clear: you're paying less on the listed price, but you're accepting a lower condition grade.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Very Good hardcover when you want a cleaner copy and are okay with the higher listed price. Choose the Acceptable hardcover when you'd rather minimize the listed price and can accept an Acceptable-condition copy of the same title.
