best scan tool for the buck

[seriousdiesel]

Any suggestions? I need a scan tool in a bad way, and Ive looked at several. they all seem pretty vague about what they do exactyl and dont give enough info to really make a good comparison so whats everyones opinion? Im looking more for powertrain, but will take the other stuff if I have too. Ive looked at Snapon MODIS, OTC solarity, and ease PC based. I have a laptop, but im not sure I want to use it for scan tool because its used for everything else. Any one have any experience with any of these? Ive used a modis but it sure seems awful expensive compared to the rest of the scan tools Ive looked at. is it really worth it??? Ive heard yes and no.



Nathan

 

[Briar Hopper]

Mac Tools and Matco Tools both have scanners that are reasonably priced. And the Actron brand (available at Sears and AutoZone) is a good one. The expensive scanners have features not really needed by most people. One feature on a SnapOn scanner lets you test the Ford injectors, for example. The All you really need is the service manual from DaimlerChrysler, and a basic scanner.

The "pocket" version from Actron is around $79. 99

Actron has a website, check them out.

 

[WDixon27]

i like my snap on red brick (mt2500) they can be had on ebay for $400-600 depending on how much stuff you want with it, you get live data and code reading, the newer the car the more stuff it does like controlling actuators and solonoids, abs,srs and transmission computers also depending on the car and cartrage

 

[HParfitt]

Hi,

I have a cheapy standalone scan tool. It was less than $200. It is slightly above what you see at autozone. In addition to codes it reads monitor status. Monitor Ready Status is required to pass emissions on gas motors in PA.



The big draw back, on my cheapy unit, is it won't do freeze frame or monitor live data. I have been looking around. I think to get these features and stay in <$500 range you need to go with something that is PC based. To get the screen display in a standalone I think your looking at a lot more money. I came accross this unit. I agree we load all this stuff up on our laptops and then when you switch laptops it takes 6 months to get everything reloaded and functioning properly.

http://www.autoenginuity.com/products.html



I do not own this product or have any affiliation with the company.



The things I like is that they have Mfg specific packages. Hardley anything I have seen supports Toyota specific codes. This one, via a package does. I have 2 Toyotas. It supports can-bus as well. They have or will also have Bluetooth support. I read a right up on it on a Mazda RX8 board. Unfortunately I didn't keep the link. They threw a lot of praise at the unit.



I am planning on getting one after the holidays. Maybe Santa will put one under the tree?



There is also a good OBD board I used to frequent a while back.

http://www.obdii.com/

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

I have the Actron CP9145, haven't got a chance to use it a whole lot. It seems to be a pretty good unit for the money. Amazon has them for under 200. 00.



Steven

 

[RBergman]

i will second the snap-on mt(g)2500 easy to use and does not limit

you much

 

[nps]

If you are only looking at a scanner for your CTD then you might want to check out Marco's new product - Smarty. Scans, decodes, and reflashes the ECM with Catcher performance SW.

 

[Murle]

You might look into Marco's, Smarty



http://www.madselectronics.com/index.html

 

[TheBigSgt]

So has anybody come up with anything else? I want one that would reset the over RPM and stuff like that.