[oldred]

I am looking to upgrade my cheapo scan tool and after checking around it seems that like a lot of things it can be quite confusing. The one I have now works well for what it does but except for just reading and displaying codes it does little else, it does give a brief description of the code meaning but this is really not much help. These things run from the $39 code readers to outfits costing in the thousands that do just about everything. I guess what I am asking is what would be the best tool in the $400 to $500 dollar range, not so much from a quality standpoint but for the info it will be able to display?

[Holder350]

All obd2 scanners are the same......until you get into the ones which have the upgradeable chips to do all different kinds of cars. These are usually the ones that have freeze frame and on the fly monitoring, all that means is that you can drive the car down the road with it hooked up and see what all the sensors are reading.

Some of the cheaper units wont read all cars and codes, I ran into a Suzuki that I had to borrow a 1,500 scan tool to read it.

other than that my $100 unit and either the computer or the haynes code book is all I have ever needed

[mikeweb]

I have an Innova OBD2 reader that does live data reads along with telling you what the problem is in words. I picked it up for $100cdn (maybe $90usd?) used on craigslist (retail $299cdn or $259usd).

I would check out a good used unit over a new lower end device.

http://canobd2.com/Products/ToolDeta...6F4C3A344975F2

[Holder350]

yeah, mike that scanner has a print capability does it not?

And does it have a "on the fly readout"?

if so 250 wouldn't be a bad price.......

[oldred]

I checked that link and that thing looks pretty good. I am going to shop around a bit since I haven't looked at much as yet but I definitly will keep that one in mind.

[mikeweb]

Originally Posted by Holder350

yeah, mike that scanner has a print capability does it not?

And does it have a "on the fly readout"?

if so 250 wouldn't be a bad price.......

Yes to both, only thing it doesnt do is scan srs (airbag) and abs codes

[Rambo_The_Dog]

Hi oldred

This is one of the few items I've bought on ebay lately - as they were 1/2 of what I could purchase the same units for locally.

The first one was a AutoXray 4000 model ODBI & II , I used it 1x and it paid for itself! Then I loaned it to a friend and haven't seen it since.

I recently picked up a AutoXray EZ 5000 ODBI & II and you can do real time with it 189.00 < should be average on ebay.

The new one - isn't getting loaned out

[oldred]

Originally Posted by Rambo_The_Dog

The new one - isn't getting loaned out

A lesson I learned many years ago!

[Crosley]

Some of these current model scanners are nice and reasonable $$ .

Even with access to 2 scanners at work I am thinking of a scanning unit for my home shop.

[Rambo_The_Dog]

Originally Posted by Crosley

Some of these current model scanners are nice and reasonable $$ .

Even with access to 2 scanners at work I am thinking of a scanning unit for my home shop.

If you own a 1983 or newer car and do your own mechanicals - or try to - these units pay for themselves.

I used my first unit on a 1989 Gruman step van that wouldn't start or run - 29.00 Temp sensor reported by the scanner fixed that right up - and made me a believer in having one in my toolbox.

The thing I like is being able to do all domestics and most imports plus software upgrades for newer models - this one should last me awhile. (EZ scan 5000)

[SteveU]

What one would I need to be able to use on my 93 corollas as well as when I get newer vehicles?

[Rambo_The_Dog]

Originally Posted by SteveU

What one would I need to be able to use on my 93 corollas as well as when I get newer vehicles?

Sorry 83 or newer domestics - 96 or newer on imports - here's the specs on the one I bought (for less than 1/2 that price on ebay)

AutoXRay EZ Scan 5000

[aminga]

Oldred,

I have an OTC ScanPro 3409. I think Scan tools are like air compressors, buy the biggest and nicest one you can and you won't regret it. Most any ODB2 get one that can look up the code so you don't have to go chase it down. Past that one that can look at the live datastream. The ScanPro can graph the datastream and record which is useful for spotting transient problems.

[bizioto]

Check out this OBD-II Scan Tool. It is wireless and pretty cool. The ScanXL Software is useful and is ok for something that is connected at the electronics of car.

[fireboat]

This is perfect timing as I am looking for a scan tool as well.

I am leaning towards aminga's philosophy of spending a little more to get a more capable unit. I guess there are certain real advantages to monitoring live data as not all conditions will trigger a fault code.

However, it seems that laptop software programs are a bit much for the home hobbyiest, true? (Plus with my luck, I would drop my laptop.)

Is it better to choose a company first, then the scan tool? I mean, do some companies such as AutoXray, OTC, Innova, Actron, Equus offer better website support to help with diagnosing and updates? Thanks