Are different car models different works or different editions of the same work?

[Sarah]

I came across this question when consolidating Chilton repair manuals. Is the repair manual for Camry from 1986-1998 a different edition of the repair manual for Camry from 2002-2006? If I were looking for the book, I would want to find the repair manuals for Camry, then find my particular year in the editions, but I can see the argument for keeping them as separate works too. What do you think?

[Dobby]

They have different content and a different title. They are different editions and should not be combined.

[Sarah]

Thanks Dobby! I think an argument could be made that they are different editions of the same work. It's hard to say how much changes between model years, presumably usually not much, like a different edition of a textbook.

[Dobby]

There are significant differences between a 1998 Camry and a 2006 Camry. Chilton's Manuals can't be compared to a textbook. They provide instructions for repairing specific components of the year range for the vehicles, among other things. The slight changes between model years are addressed by the range shown
in the book's title; ie, 1986-1998 Camry and 2002-2006 Camry. Each of those repair manuals is a different book with different content.

I have personally used Chilton's manuals for different vehicles I have owned. They are not different editions of the same work.

[Sarah]

Thanks Dobby! I will not combine any different model year ranges.

[Dobby]

You're very welcome. Glad I could help.