Reviews (13)

An excellent resource, ignore 'sao530'
This book is an excellent resource.Ignore sao530 who doesn't mention anything about the book, but only has issues with the fact that everyone else loved the book.With the information here, I saved over $5,000 on my used 2002 BMW 530i.

Did anyone notice all previous reader reviews give this 5 stars?
I don't know, it just seems strange to me that all "reader reviews" of this book give it 5 stars.Doesn't anyone think this book could be improved, even a little bit??The previous reviews are so spectacular they almost sound like a SALESMAN might have written them ;)Could it be that the author has left all these other reviews of his own book?Naa, that couldn't be, could it?

This $15 book saved me thousands
This is the best book of its kind-bar none. Burke gives very simple, easy-to-follow advice. He not only describes the sales techniques being used on you, but describes how to effectively combat them and give yourself the advantage in negotiating. I combined three of his techniques (waiting for a rainy day, showing up at the end of the month, and taking a test drive and bringing the car back just after the dealership closed) to great effect. I got the price I wanted and I didn't have to negotiate hardly at all because the salesmen just wanted to go home. Burke's book may be the best $15 I ever spent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile Buying Guides    2. Automobiles    3. Automotive    4. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    5. Consumer Education    6. Handbooks & Manuals    7. Purchasing    8. Reference    9. Transportation    10. Antiques & Collectables   

Reviews (14)

A Helpful Guide
In this wonderfully succinct helpful guide the author walks the reader through every step of the car buying nightmare, with special attention given to the many faults, frauds and pitfalls of credit.This book takes an inside look at how the car dealership works, especially the ins and outs of where the car dealer makes money and the tricks he uses to compel the buyer into a bad deal.There are several places the car dealer is making large profits, sometimes it is by creating an artificially high `sale price' and then giving the buyer a big discount off the fake price, thereby pressing the buyers `hot button'.Most likely these profits are made at the credit table, for instance in the method of `spot delivery' where the dealer gets the buyer to sign a contract before credit conditions are approved.
An absolute "must-have" for anyone who can't afford to pay for their car in a lump sum
Daily radio show personality Mark Marine shares the secrets he had to fight for the right to speak freely in Kick the Dealer... Not the Tires!, is a cut-the-bull assessment of how to get the best deal on how to shop for a new or used car, and especially, how to prevent car dealers from using your credit against you. Do you have a good credit score? Then watch out! Kick the Dealer... Not the Tires! reveals how customers with good credit are the most likely to get "buried" (meaning "to owe more in loans on a car than the car is actually worth") in a bad car deal, because both the dealer and lenders see a good credit rating as an invitation to jack up loan rates and pile as many unneeded extras on the bill as possible. Car dealers have been known to overcharge good credit customers to make up for money lost selling to bad credit customers! And if your credit is not so good, don't let it be an invitation to get gouged either - arm yourself with the knowledge to protect your pride, your rights, and your wallet. Kick the Dealer... Not the Tires! offers warnings against common pressure sales tactics and pitfalls, tips for protecting oneself against dishonesty and fraud, and much more, and is an absolute "must-have" for anyone who can't afford to pay for their car in a lump sum (which is to say, the vast majority of us).
How did I ever live without this book?
Locked in this little package are all of the secrets that the car dealerships use to make their profits at the buyers' expense. Do you think that people with good credit get good deals, while those with bad credit get bad deals? Well, think again! In fact, the dealerships have tricks that allow them to maximize their profits on the backs of people with good credit, and this book tells you how you can avoid being a cash-cow.
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Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    3. Business & Economics    4. Business/Economics    5. Reference - General   

Reviews (2)

Good Overview
Great book to get an overview of particular corvette models - and what should be on each car.Also points out potenetial liabilities with each model year.Appendix at end of book is very useful to determine originality of parts/car - as well as a list of available options. Does not have a pricing guide, but does include a price list for common replacement parts.I would recommend this along with a pricing guide to help search for the perfect vette!

Fantastic!!
This is hands-down the finest book ever written on this subject.Anyone who would buy a Corvette from that era without buying this book first is out of his mind. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile Buying Guides    2. Automotive    3. Automotive - Antique & Classic    4. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    5. Corvette automobile    6. Domestic Automobiles - History    7. Purchasing    8. Transportation    9. Consumer guides & advice    10. Motor cars: general interest    11. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (1)

Classic Japanese Motorcycles (Illustrated Buyer's Guide)
This book is well written. It is a great reference for someone wanting to know more about old Asian motorbikes. If you are already a huge fan of vintage Japanese bikes, you may well know most of this information. Even so, it is wonderful to have all of it at your fingertips... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    2. Motorcycles    3. Motorcycles - General    4. Motorcycles - History    5. Transportation    6. Japan    7. Motorcycles: general interest    8. Transportation / Motorcycles / General   

Reviews (9)

Best resource out there
Is there a better guidebook for Jeep lovers?I don't think so.He's got every model, every option, every color and accessory and everything here, all the way back to the Willys and military days.
"Jeep" by Jim Allen
It's 20 below outside and the snow is drifted over the door to the garage I can't get to where my jeep is stored. I'm going through Jeep withdrawal. The mail comes and I'm saved. "Jeep" By Jim Allen has arrived in the mail. Filled with the beautiful photos and expert discussion of the history and details that makes my Jeep more than just transportation. This book is for every jeep junkie. Even without Jim's expert commentary on the breed this book would be worth buying just for the high quality photos and collected documentation. If you haven't already added this book to your growing Jim Allen collection you're missing out. Beautiful Book AND solid Research
Noted Jeep scholar and photographer, Jim Allen, has assembled a lavish, detailed, and engaging story. Being a longtime student of the brand, Allen has amassed a wealth of previously unseen historic images which he uses in support of beautiful images of perfectly restored models. Readers will recognize a number of Military Vehicle Preservation Association National Convention winners as well as some of the rarest examples of both civilian and military models in private collections. Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile Buying Guides    2. Automobiles    3. Automotive    4. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    5. Automotive - General    6. Jeep automobile    7. Purchasing    8. Transportation   

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    3. Transportation    4. Motor cars: general interest    5. Transportation / Automotive / General    6. Vehicle maintenance   

Subjects:  1. Automobiles    2. Automotive    3. Automotive - Antique & Classic    4. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    5. Transportation    6. Antiques & Collectables    7. Antiques & Collectibles / Cars    8. Antiques & Collectibles / General    9. HISTORY - WORLD HIST TRD HC    10. Motor cars: general interest   

Reviews (2)

The Book NOT to buy
According to the joke of a ratings found in this book I would not recommend buying this book. I would have to wonder where this guy really is getting his ratings and information from. Missing Vital Information
As a huge car buff interested in all types of cars, I was thrilled when I first saw this book on Amazon as a quick reference for all those office debates about cars.The problem is, the book is missing some of the most vital information:horsepower and torque for all available engines, braking distance, 0-60.I realize the book has the potential, then to be twice as thick, but I would rather do away with some of the information in the front for usable information about each of the cars.If you're looking for the "ultimate car guide", stick to the web.I did like the tow ratings for each of the cars, though... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile Buying Guides    2. Automobiles    3. Automotive    4. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    5. Consumer Guides    6. General    7. Purchasing    8. Reference    9. Trucks    10. Used cars   

Reviews (11)

A handy guide to all the models.
I was looking for a book that showed me all the models and this book delivers.Its a general overview so if you arent sure which models you like then this is a good book to start with then you should buy books on your favourite model(s) and add them to your collection.Plenty of info throughout and plenty of photos although all b&w.Could use some colour photos.
Best available?
I found the book pretty helpful in detailing enough of the differences between different Porsche models/years (I was looking mainly at 911/993s and 928s).I did read the other reviews criticizing the lack of specifics, but I haven't seen anything better out there.(Please let me know if anybody does find a better guide!)
Fine as overview, NOT a buyer's guide
This is book is not at all sufficient as a buyer's guide, but it would serve as a great first book if you want a Porsche model overview and are not sure you want to buy other porsche books.I use it all the time just to read up on different models.But the information is VERY basic.Another negative - all photos are black and white - color photos would very much improve this book.But there are very adequate histories of many models, so this book serves as a decent, quick overview.These comments refer to the fourth edition. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    3. Automotive - History    4. Consumer Buying Guides    5. Foreign Automobiles - History    6. Porsche automobiles    7. Purchasing    8. Transportation    9. Consumer issues    10. History of engineering & technology    11. Motor cars: general interest    12. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    3. Transportation    4. Motor cars: general interest    5. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (3)

A must have for Used Viper Buyer
This buyer's guide gives great specifics as to what to look for and potential problems specific to each year of Viper since beginning of production in 1992. I have purchased all the other Viper books and this one has been the most useful in searching for a collectible Viper.

Disappointing, too much for way too little
A lot of pictures, I'll give it that.This is the first book I've returned to Amazon, and I'm glad I did.
A Viper Owner's Perspective
Many Viper owners are true "car nuts", knowledgable about every aspect of their vehicles, capable of doing-it-themselves whenever their cars need anything from routine service to major upgrades.And then there are the rest of us.Mr. Liang has written a book for "the rest of us", in language we can readily understand, containing the wisdom he has acquired as a true Viperholic.He tells us what to look for, inside and out, before we take the plunge, with enough information so as not to be taken in by fast-talking, whether by the owner of the car we are considering or a salesperson looking for a nice commission.And then, there's Chapter 8. Paired with the owner's manual, this book becomes the next best thing to having a live-in Viper tech. I LOVE this book--almost as much as I love my Vipers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    3. History    4. Purchasing    5. Transportation    6. Viper automobile    7. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (4)

More a picture book than a buyer's guide
This is fine as an illustrated guide to the different models, as there is a large photo and usually a few smaller detail photos for each model, along with some technical statistics following the photos, and snippets of owner commentary.The introductory "Buyer's Guide" chapter is a good 5-6 page guide on what to look for when evaluating a used BMW, or other brand for that matter.The rest of the guidance comes in the form of a 1-2 page intro to each model in which the changes to and quirks of the particular year or model are discussed, and then notes on the photos with arrows pointing to the problem areas on the car. Buying an used BMW?Read "BMW Buyer's Guide".
Fred Larimer's "BMW Buyer's Guide" is not only a truly A good read if you are shopping for a used BMW
This actually is a pretty good book. There are a number of color photos for each car (it covers 2002's-e46 BMWs, even M models and the 8 series!) with text captions for problems to look for for each car.It lists the specifications for each model and provides a handy summary of repair costs and parts costs for items such as bumpers, fuel pumps, oil filters etc. I don't remember seeing a pricing guide for each car, but such information can easily be found in a bluebook or a website.Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile Buying Guides    2. Automotive    3. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    4. Automotive - General    5. BMW automobiles    6. Foreign Automobiles - History    7. Purchasing    8. Transportation    9. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    10. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (10)

Very Helpful
I am constantly dabbling in the idea of getting myself a sporty car that I can have some fun with but like most of us, I don't happen to have a large disposable income to blow on the hot new Ferrari 575. That is why this book is most fabulous for even the most fund-deficient of car enthusiasts that just want to have a pedal stomping, gear shifting good time. Very Helpful
I am constantly dabbling in the idea of getting myself a sporty car that I can have some fun with but like most of us, I don't happen to have a large disposable income to blow on the hot new Ferrari 575. That is why this book is most fabulous for even the most fund-deficient of car enthusiasts that just want to have a pedal stomping, gear shifting good time. Very Helpful
I am constantly dabbling in the idea of getting myself a sporty car that I can have some fun with but like most of us, I don't happen to have a large disposable income to blow on the hot new Ferrari 575. That is why this book is most fabulous for even the most fund-deficient of car enthusiasts that just want to have a pedal stomping, gear shifting good time.Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile Buying Guides    2. Automotive    3. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    4. Purchasing    5. Sports cars    6. Transportation    7. Motor cars: general interest    8. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    3. Transportation    4. Motor cars: general interest    5. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (8)

for idiots only
This is a good book if you have an extremely low IQ and need chapters and chapters on how to select which car model you want to buy.If that is your biggest problem when it comes to buying a car, then you are either very rich or very stupid.There are much better books around on how to deal with dealers, getting the most for your used car, not getting screwed on a lease, etc.The only adivce this book had on bargaining with dealers was "if you're not comfortabe with what's going on in the dealership, walk out."Sorry, but there's a lot more to negotiating than that.

Fine and dandy folks.
It was difficult finding things and confusing but overall it was a fine and dandy book.

Everything In This Book Happened to Me!
I was a skeptic.How could everything you are warned about in this book really happen?I am sorry to say it's all true.In fact, I could write my own book about my car-buying experiences!As a single woman shopping alonefor a new car, I thought this book was a reasonable investment.But it wasso much more.Thanks to this book, I was prepared.I was informed.And Isaved both my sanity and thousands in the end. There was a happy ending tomy story thanks in large part to what I learned on those pages. Read thisbook if you are even considering buying a car.It's worth every singlepenny. I even made my fiance read it a year later -- before he bought hisnew car! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile leasing and renting    2. Automobiles    3. Automotive    4. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    5. Business & Economics    6. Business/Economics    7. Consumer Behavior - General    8. Consumer Economics (Specific Aspects)    9. Purchasing    10. Road & motor vehicles: general interest    11. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    3. Reference    4. Automotive technology    5. Road & motor vehicles: general interest    6. c 1945 to c 1960    7. c 1960 to c 1970    8. c 1970 to c 1980    9. c 1980 to c 1990   

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Automobiles    5. Automotive    6. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    7. Automotive - General    8. General   

Reviews (7)

Recomend the book but beware:

a must have for any owner
I am glad to have this book in my collection. Very detailed year by year. Nice factory photos. Much better than the firebird red book. Lists options available, and most of the special editions. Even if you think you know it all, You will learn something you did not know about these cars...

Excellent !! ....Just one problem
As all "Illustrated Buyer Guides" so is this one a top notch resource for the numbers and detail guy or gal. One problem is that the version is getting outdated. Covers only up to the 1998 production year. Now that the f-body died, why not update it one more time for all enthusiasts. otherwise great book !!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    3. Firebird automobile    4. Purchasing    5. Transportation    6. Automotive technology    7. Consumer guides & advice    8. Road & motor vehicles: general interest    9. c 1960 to c 1970    10. c 1970 to c 1980    11. c 1980 to c 1990    12. c 1990 to c 2000   

Reviews (1)

Plenty of history, not enough buyer's guide
This is the 7th book in the Illustrated Buyer's Guide series I have purchased.While this book has a great deal of history and plenty of personal anecdotes by the author, it is lacking in technical detail and buying suggestions.Other buyer's guides have much more information about details like powertrains, paint codes, etc.They also cover issues which buyers should be aware of, including likely rust spots, how to spot rare option combinations which have been faked and so forth.The technical details of the various model years of trucks in this book is spotty at best.Admittedly, this book is trying to cover almost 100 years worth of vehicles and there's only so much room to fit everything in.Nevertheless, this is more of an "Illustrated History" than an "Illustrated Buyer's Guide".And as a history book, with interesting information and a number of great pictures, this book will stay on my shelves.But I will continue to look for a better buyer's guide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    3. Automotive - General    4. Automotive - Trucks    5. Chevrolet trucks    6. Collectors and collecting    7. Engineering - Automotive    8. Purchasing    9. Transportation    10. Trucks    11. Motor cars: general interest    12. Reference works   

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Buyer's Guides    3. Collectors and collecting    4. Consumer Buying Guides    5. Harley-Davidson motorcycle    6. Motorcycles    7. Motorcycles - General    8. Purchasing    9. Transportation    10. Road & motor vehicles: general interest