For anyone involved in automotive powersports repair, choosing between two copies of Tim Gilles's Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair comes down to a simple trade-off: do you want a brand-new third edition with a Resource CD, or a very good condition hardcover with a specific ISBN? The two look similar, but the price gap is substantial. Here's how to decide.
Quick verdict
The Third Edition by Tim Gilles is the easy choice for most shoppers. It is the lower-priced option, and the very good hardcover makes sense only when you need a specific book identifier and can accept used condition.
Price and features at a glance
| Product | Price bar | Price | Condition | Format | Notable detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Third Edition NEW | USD 42.49 | Brand New | Hardcover | Revised third edition, Resource CD | |
| Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair - VERY GOOD | USD 98.29 | Very Good | Hardcover | Revised, ISBN 9781337794039 |
Where each product wins
- The New Third Edition wins on price. It is the lower-cost entry point between the two hardcovers.
- The Very Good hardcover wins on book identification. It carries a specific ISBN and an 11-inch format, making it easier to match against a syllabus or replacement need.
Product notes
Automotive Service Third Edition Inspection Maintenance Repair by Tim Gilles NEW
This is the copy to pick when you want a clean, ready-to-study hardcover. It's Brand New, so you get the manual with no wear. The Resource CD is the distinguishing extra: it gives you a digital companion that the other copy doesn't promise. The third edition dates to 2008, so the book won't cover later vehicle systems. For a student entering the field or a home hobbyist on a budget, the new condition and included CD make this the better value. The edition is clearly labeled, and the hardcover format matches what most courses expect.
Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair - Hardcover - VERY GOOD
The very good hardcover makes sense for a reader who has a specific ISBN requirement. It carries ISBN 9781337794039 and an 11-inch format, making it easier to match against a syllabus or replacement need. The caveat is condition: it's Very Good, not new, and supplemental items may not be included. At $98.29, it costs $55.80 more than the new third edition, so you're paying a premium for a used book with an ISBN. If you don't need that exact ISBN, the higher price is hard to justify. This copy is the fallback for course-matching scenarios, not the value pick. Choose it only when the ISBN matters more than new condition, extras, or cost.
Final choice by use case
For a student or home enthusiast who wants one complete package and doesn't need to match a specific ISBN, choose the New Third Edition. For a reader who must match a syllabus that calls for ISBN 9781337794039, the Very Good hardcover is the one to order, with the caveat that you're paying more for a used copy. For everyone else, the New Third Edition's lower price makes it the clear winner.
