Snap on Verus

[jkesselr]

Hey guys, I am looking at buying a used snap on verus that does not have any of the scope attachments. It only has the OBD adapters and a slew of keys hat go with it. The problem is it is only current through 2012 and my junk runs up through 2014. As such, at a minimum, I need to update it and would like to have a tool that is going to have some support for at least a few more years.

First, do you have any idea what I am looking at for updates in terms of cost? Somewhere I thought I remembered reading that you can’t just buy the latest update, but had to buy each update along the way to bring a scanner current. Is that accurate?

What is the general consensus as to how much longer the verus will be updated? If I buy a new car in a few years, do you think I will be able to get an update, or am I going to be SOL?

Finally, what do you think this thing is worth in light of what is there and the status of needing updates?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

John

 

[Skin]

Original verus? I don't think it's supported since 2016. Having to buy each prior update is false but you're still going to get dinged for about a grand so generally you're better off just buying something already updated to within the last couple years.

You might want to look into a mid tier Launch or Autel too. They do some important things the Snap-ons won't like much wider coverage on key and module programming as well as far superior Euro coverage.

 

[f121]

Iirc the versus runs windows XP, which is enough reason for me not to buy it. Long boot times, going flat when your not using it. Buy a modis ultra that has been updated recently.

 

[Tallpilot]

The newer Viruses run Windows 7 and seem decent. I agree and would not buy an older XP version. You should be able to find a 15.x or 16.x Modis Ultra if you want a scope or Solus Ultra if you don't. Then just pay for an update when you get a new vehicle.

I personally like having my scope and scanner separate.

 

[f121]

The newer Viruses run Windows 7 and seem decent. I agree and would not buy an older XP version. You should be able to find a 15.x or 16.x Modis Ultra if you want a scope or Solus Ultra if you don't. Then just pay for an update when you get a new vehicle.

I personally like having my scope and scanner separate.

Guided component testing sold me on the modis.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The newer Viruses run Windows 7 and seem decent. I agree and would not buy an older XP version. You should be able to find a 15.x or 16.x Modis Ultra if you want a scope or Solus Ultra if you don't. Then just pay for an update when you get a new vehicle.

I personally like having my scope and scanner separate.

The two do need separated to a degree, watch/control with scanner, confirm with scope if need be. There are times I wish I had an additional scope, as I want to use the modis for the scanner, and have 2/3/4 channels running. Sometimes the 'ol modis is easier to navigate or has better function than the shiny new autel.

Guided component testing sold me on the modis.

It's a great tool if you're wholly unfamiliar with a system, or your service info/wiring diagrams ****. It doesn't always give you the "WHY" as to your issue, but it's a decent go/no-go test. It also teaches you about what devices make what patterns. I don't need guided testing for a coil ramp or injector, but it shows new users the relationships between electrical components, and their respective waveforms. I use mine pretty rarely, only if I have something odd like random bias voltage popping in, or suspect a component is dragging down a reference voltage.




OP: Would an Autel 906 fit your requirements? Do you plan on using the lab scope? What is your specific purpose for buying the scanner? Side work, maintaining your own cars, learning/fun?

 

[Tallpilot]

Guided component testing sold me on the modis.

I have a Vantage Ultra. It was about $1200 used and I’ve purchased one ~$500 update for it. I like the connector pin outs. Wiring diagrams are fairly easy to find (not necessarily accurate though) but deciphering which wire is which on a huge connector can be a PITA.

The combination scope/scanner appears to be a good deal but the updates are more expensive and you can’t always use both at the same time.

As 2ndGearRubber points out sometimes you are using a bidirectional control and want to see what happens with your scope. So far I haven’t wished for 4 channels. When that happens I’ll break down and get a Pico.

 

[jkesselr]

I am looking for something to maintain my own junk. I have an old MT 2500 that I have limped along with for years, but it is time for something a bit newer. I want more than just a code scanner. Bidirectional controls and the ability to see live data and record it is pretty damn handy. I have never really played with a scope, but it seems quite helpful.

I have always learned to fix my ****, because I can afford to pay a tech to do it and, quite frankly, a lot of times it seems like there are more parts changers out there than true techs. Don’t get me wrong, the guys who know their **** are awesome. The guys who went and got an ASE patch to iron on their sleeve and throw parts at problems until they are fixed are what keeps me working on my own stuff. This was all fine and well when I was running late 90s and early 2000s ****, but now I have a 2013 and 2014 that are out of warranty, so I find myself in the spot of needing to get tooled up again for the newer stuff.

I found what seemed like a deal on the Verus, but the cost of updates scared me, which has been confirmed here. So, with that background, is there a better option? I even have an old business class Windows 7 laptop I can dedicate to scanner duty if there is a solid laptop based option. Thoughts?

 

[Skin]

Both these units are good mid to upper tier scan tools. Launch tends to have more chinglish compared to Autel but that X431 is a pretty decent piece of kit. The Launch also comes with 1 year of updates then its ~$350/yr. Autel is 1 year free then around $400/yr after. I think Autel also renews the scan tool warranty with the updates as well but im not sure. As I said either has superior coverage to SO units but they don't have near the hand holding with the trouble shooter or scopes but with SO you're also kind of throwing future updates out the window since they're so cost prohibitive to a do-it-yourselfer. For what you get for your money I think you'd be far better served with one of the below units and peace meal subscription to alldata/Mitchell or iATN IF you want the hand holding and google fails you.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C2WTMT2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CQNNBA4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I am looking for something to maintain my own junk. I have an old MT 2500 that I have limped along with for years, but it is time for something a bit newer. I want more than just a code scanner. Bidirectional controls and the ability to see live data and record it is pretty damn handy. I have never really played with a scope, but it seems quite helpful.

I have always learned to fix my ****, because I can afford to pay a tech to do it and, quite frankly, a lot of times it seems like there are more parts changers out there than true techs. Don’t get me wrong, the guys who know their **** are awesome. The guys who went and got an ASE patch to iron on their sleeve and throw parts at problems until they are fixed are what keeps me working on my own stuff. This was all fine and well when I was running late 90s and early 2000s ****, but now I have a 2013 and 2014 that are out of warranty, so I find myself in the spot of needing to get tooled up again for the newer stuff.

I found what seemed like a deal on the Verus, but the cost of updates scared me, which has been confirmed here. So, with that background, is there a better option? I even have an old business class Windows 7 laptop I can dedicate to scanner duty if there is a solid laptop based option. Thoughts?

If you do not keep updates current on you snap on scanner, twice per year, it's about 1200 to get current, basically the cost of two updates.

For the home user, a bit of planning eliminates update concerns. Your newest car is a 2014, when are you getting a new car? You need a verus with 15.x software, done. By the time your 2018 is out of warranty, you can update for 1200, or buy into the newest generation and sell the verus to someone who wants it as a scope. Eventually, the verus will stop being supported, and unless you get the last update before the next one is released, snap on claims the files are gone, no updates for you, tool is un-updateable.


I have an autel 906, and a first gen modis. Modis cannot be updated, I bought it for a scope and pre2011 coverage. 906 updates are 400 IIRC. No penalty for missing, that 400 gets you one year, so you can update anytime there are patches or new releases within that year.

I needed to upgrade from my SOLUS when I got the autel. IMO snap on cannot touch autel in the value dept. The autel is a beast, and cost 1200 new, with cheaper updates. My snap on dealer mentioned he has a verus trade in on the truck, basically new, 4500. For that i can update my autel again, buy a 4 channel pico and a laptop, maybe a PC based scan tool as well, and still have money left over.

 

[Tallpilot]

I am looking for something to maintain my own junk. I have an old MT 2500 that I have limped along with for years, but it is time for something a bit newer. I want more than just a code scanner. Bidirectional controls and the ability to see live data and record it is pretty damn handy. I have never really played with a scope, but it seems quite helpful.

I have always learned to fix my ****, because I can afford to pay a tech to do it and, quite frankly, a lot of times it seems like there are more parts changers out there than true techs. Don’t get me wrong, the guys who know their **** are awesome. The guys who went and got an ASE patch to iron on their sleeve and throw parts at problems until they are fixed are what keeps me working on my own stuff. This was all fine and well when I was running late 90s and early 2000s ****, but now I have a 2013 and 2014 that are out of warranty, so I find myself in the spot of needing to get tooled up again for the newer stuff.

I found what seemed like a deal on the Verus, but the cost of updates scared me, which has been confirmed here. So, with that background, is there a better option? I even have an old business class Windows 7 laptop I can dedicate to scanner duty if there is a solid laptop based option. Thoughts?

Are all of your vehicles the same make? If they are you can get a cable for J2534 passthrough and just pay the fee each time you want access. The advantage there is it gets you factory service information as well. If you have different makes then that would be cost prohibitive.

 

[jkesselr]

Are all of your vehicles the same make? If they are you can get a cable for J2534 passthrough and just pay the fee each time you want access. The advantage there is it gets you factory service information as well. If you have different makes then that would be cost prohibitive.

Thanks tallpilot, but I have no idea what that means, can you dumb it down for me a bit? Everything I own is Chevrolet, like God himself intended!

 

[jkesselr]

Thanks Skin and 2nd gear. It looks like I need to explore these non-mainstream options a bit more. They sound pretty promising!

 

[Tallpilot]

Thanks tallpilot, but I have no idea what that means, can you dumb it down for me a bit? Everything I own is Chevrolet, like God himself intended!

https://gsi.ext.gm.com/userguides/GDS2_Supported_Vehicles.pdf

Check the list above. If all of your vehicles are on it you just need this guy:

https://www.boschdiagnostics.com/pro/products/general-motors-mdi

Then a subscription here:

https://www.acdelcotds.com/subscriptions

If you have older vehicles you will also need Tech2Win. That will give you the same capability as a dealer. That will be necessary if you have to replace a module that needs to be ‘programmed.’ The scanners can’t do that.

If you had to get subscriptions and interfaces for multiple makes it would get stupid expensive fast but with your fleet it will give you the most capability for the least cost. Plus you pay only when you need it instead of buying updates you may or may not need.

That doesn’t get you an oscilloscope though. If you have never used one you might try this little guy first:

https://www.aeswave.com/uScope-Basic-Kit-p9621.html

Once you gain some knowledge then you can look into a Pico for more channels or a Vantage Ultra if you want the guided tests.

 

[Mr_B]

launch is pretty good and can be had well under 1K
add to that a 2 channel pico and other free software and data on your laptop and you got a good base coverage get started .
The snapon vantage pro test meter is handy and worth keeping eye out for good deal with newest software they did for it .

 

[jkesselr]

Damn! It appears that this would cover my 2014 Camaro, but it doesn’t seem to cover the 2013 3500HD. The other tools would cover the 2000 S10 and 2002 trailblazer. Are you aware of a similar option that would encompass the 2013 Silverado?

John

https://gsi.ext.gm.com/userguides/GDS2_Supported_Vehicles.pdf

Check the list above. If all of your vehicles are on it you just need this guy:

https://www.boschdiagnostics.com/pro/products/general-motors-mdi

Then a subscription here:

https://www.acdelcotds.com/subscriptions

If you have older vehicles you will also need Tech2Win. That will give you the same capability as a dealer. That will be necessary if you have to replace a module that needs to be ‘programmed.’ The scanners can’t do that.

If you had to get subscriptions and interfaces for multiple makes it would get stupid expensive fast but with your fleet it will give you the most capability for the least cost. Plus you pay only when you need it instead of buying updates you may or may not need.

That doesn’t get you an oscilloscope though. If you have never used one you might try this little guy first:

https://www.aeswave.com/uScope-Basic-Kit-p9621.html

Once you gain some knowledge then you can look into a Pico for more channels or a Vantage Ultra if you want the guided tests.

 

[Tallpilot]

Damn! It appears that this would cover my 2014 Camaro, but it doesn’t seem to cover the 2013 3500HD. The other tools would cover the 2000 S10 and 2002 trailblazer. Are you aware of a similar option that would encompass the 2013 Silverado?

John

The way they handle the medium duty trucks is a little irritating. The interface is the same but you need an additional subscription.

Basically you are looking at $775 for the first year. Then between $55-$110 after that each time you need to diagnose something. As long as your stuff doesn't break too often this is the most economical way to get dealer level capability. No aftermarket tool can match that.

You get a year subscription when you buy the interface so take advantage of that and learn to use it. After that you will have to pay each time.