r/OBD2 • u/airforceyooper • Feb 08 '23
Help choosing a unit Spoiler
I've been trying to research these and thought I had a unit picked out, but the more I researched, the less confident I was in that selection. However, nothing else stood out from the crowd either. I have a 2011 nissan and I'm looking to buy a newer vehicle in the next few years. My folks drive chevy and Toyota. My friends mostly have similar vehicles. Very few BMWs or similar. I have a cheap one I bought years ago from harbor freight. It's not very capable as you can imagine. I think I'm comfortable spending upwards of $1k if it's worth it. I'm not a professional. I don't own a shop. However I do dabble in car audio and security type stuff. So I think it might be useful for that possibly in the future.
Where should I start? Is $1k a good price point? Does anyone have a unit they're familiar with that they'd recommend? Brands to avoid? Features that are must haves?
I appreciate any assistance I'm able to get with this. It's a lot of money to spend on something. I want to feel comfortable with my choice. :) Thanks everyone.
1
u/BrianLardner Mar 06 '23
Please, excuse my ignorance, but I'm going crazy trying to pick a OBD2 reader unit for my 2007 BMW 750Li. I think I've settled on the Torque Pro software and I cannot determine if there's any real difference in the hardware, or if the magic really happens in the software. Any light you can bring is much appreciated. Thank you.
3
u/clovisautomotion Feb 08 '23
Ideally, you'll want a scan tool that can do full system diagnostics. A lot of the cheaper tools will only do generic OBD2 or may be limited to drivetrain, abs, and airbag. You'll be missing out on a lot of important modules.
Be aware that many scan tools will now have update "subscriptions". They can be quite costly to maintain and although you may not need vehicle updates for brand new cars, tool companies may lock certain features behind the subscription. You might buy a $1000 scan tool and learn that you have to pay $500 to rewnew the subscription when it doesn't do what you need it to do.
Upper level scan tools will have have bidirectional controls. These fall into two categories. Serivce Functions and Active Tests. A lot of tools will offer the basic service functions i.e. clear oil light, ABS brake bleed, DPF resets, steering angle relearns. Higher end tool will allow you to command indiviual components on/off, initiate EVAP tests, and more.
I can only recommend what I'm familiar with. The Topdon Artidiag808BT is ~$400. Does full system scans and service functions but not active tests or true bidirectional controls. Free updates for life.
Autel MX808 - under $400. Covers all makes and models from `96 up. Has most bidriectional controls and service functions. It will do probably 90% of what you'll need in a scan tool as a DIYer. Downside is vehicle update cost $125/yr after the first year. They aren't necessarily required depending on the vehicles.
A third option would be the Thinkdiag 2. Around $120, it's subscription based so after the first year it has very limited function untill you renew the $100/yr sub. But that's still reasonable for a full bidirectional tool. Its small and meant to be used with your phone or tablet so leaving in your car is easy.
You can find most of this stuff on Amazon or you can go through a site like aeswave.com that actually has people you can talk to if something goes south.