Purchasing a Shop Manual

[usafe7ret]

Not sure what you mean by "how legit the seller is". If you're refering to copyright infringement, this site has been around a long time and carry's manuals for all kinds of items, not just automotive.

If you're wondering about how safe it is to buy from them, well, all I can say is my experience was just fine.

The company is based in Germany, and their laws regarding copyright infringement are way more draconian than the US, so if they were doing things on the sly, then I'm sure the EU would be on them like they are trying to do to Bill Gates and MicroSoft.

You can pay for it from the dealer, from Helm, or where ever you like. I was just making the information available for all.

[mkh]

Originally Posted by usafe7ret

Not sure what you mean by "how legit the seller is". If you're refering to copyright infringement, this site has been around a long time and carry's manuals for all kinds of items, not just automotive.

If you're wondering about how safe it is to buy from them, well, all I can say is my experience was just fine.

The company is based in Germany, and their laws regarding copyright infringement are way more draconian than the US, so if they were doing things on the sly, then I'm sure the EU would be on them like they are trying to do to Bill Gates and MicroSoft.

You can pay for it from the dealer, from Helm, or where ever you like. I was just making the information available for all.

Tradebit simply rents server space for "self-publishers" and provide a mechanism for the user's to charge others for access to what they store there. They state that it is the user's responsibility to abide by all applicable copyright laws - and they do not look at or police what is uploaded unless they get complaints. So basically, unless these are being uploaded and sold by Honda, whoever is uploading the OEM service manuals is selling them as pdfs in violation of copyright.

[breese524]

Originally Posted by mkh

Tradebit simply rents server space for "self-publishers" and provide a mechanism for the user's to charge others for access to what they store there. They state that it is the user's responsibility to abide by all applicable copyright laws - and they do not look at or police what is uploaded unless they get complaints. So basically, unless these are being uploaded and sold by Honda, whoever is uploading the OEM service manuals is selling them as pdfs in violation of copyright.

I figured that was the case. You might not agree with the price but purchasing a legit copy ensures that the people that put the time into making the product get paid.

mkh, the manuals would have to be sold by Honda or an authorized reseller otherwise, HandA and others would not be able to sell the manuals either.

[mkh]

Originally Posted by breese524

I figured that was the case. You might not agree with the price but purchasing a legit copy ensures that the people that put the time into making the product get paid.

mkh, the manuals would have to be sold by Honda or an authorized reseller otherwise, HandA and others would not be able to sell the manuals either.

Right, I lump Authorized Resellers like H & A in with Honda, as they are really "Honda-Local", via their Dealership agreement with Honda.

And I also agree with purchasing only legit copies. I know the new price is a stretch for some, so then just buy used - keep an eye on ebay. I picked up both the Shop Manual and the Electrical Shop Manual 2nd hand as a bundle on ebay for under $40.

[fessorx]

Originally Posted by breese524

I figured that was the case. You might not agree with the price but purchasing a legit copy ensures that the people that put the time into making the product get paid.

Yea, I checked out tradebit and e-bay...Man I want that service manual so bad but just can't afford it right now. I think H and A $57 is def a fair price and legit. I can't bring myself to paying for snipped copies for $10 or as little as $5 for a instant download on e-bay. 5 or 10 years ago I wouldn't have given it a second thought.

I think I will go to the dollar store and by a keyboard cover :) because this site is jam packed with great information on what I need to fix or repair..

The manual will go on my 2010 x-mas wish list.

[asp]

I recently downloaded a "service repair manual" for my 1998 M-B E300 turbodiesel on tradebit. It is virtually useless despite the good reviews on the site. If you're going to spend any money on a manual for your E get the HONDA manual. It might cost more but it is an excellent value. Spending less on something useless is no bargain at all as I found out the hard way. Don't be a sucker like me, get the real deal!

[Mcdirtymetal]

I bought the Honda deal for $50 used on ebay.

[ajchien]

Older shop manuals are now on sale at helminc for $52.50