any opinions on Xtool vs Autel Scanners?

[FSUwelder1212]

I've been looking for a scanner with some bidirectional capability for a while now. Autel seems to be the "go-to" whenever anyone mentions a scanner other than snap-on. However, it looks like xtool is relatively new on the scene and highly thought of as well from what research I could do and their pricing is competitive and offers better update terms than Autel. I was wondering if anyone has used both and could offer some input, or has any xtool experience. I am specifically looking at the Autel MX808 or Xtool D7. The thing steering me away from Autel is they seem to use **** screens that die in short order from what I have read. I will probably use this for 90% GM and need capability for duramax engines, from my contact with Xtool they say their D7 has full support for L5P duramaxes, not sure about the Autel. Any experience with or opinions of these 2 companies would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Professional Tool User]

I've never heard of Xtool. Unless their product is significantly cheaper after comparing features and information, I'd much rather check out what Autel, Launch, and Bosch have to offer first.

 

[Wrench97]

I prefer the Autel but mostly report function and print options in the shop.

I remember seeing this video a couple months ago on the 2 >

 

[dnschmidt]

According to Ivan at Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics the current hotness is the Thinktool PROS. The S matters so don't confuse this with the Thinktool PRO.

 

[midorix]

Went through similar comparison recently. XTool D8, Thinktool PROS (with the "S), Topdon Phoenix Plus (Thinktool and Topdon both uses similar or perhaps exactly same software).
Ended up with Topdon as it was cheaper than Thinktool ProS and more known than Xtool. I also asked several questions to all of these companies prior to purchase and XTool, although responsive, didn't answer questions correctly and only TopDon responded with proper English.

You'll also noticed that XTool reviews by Youtubers were all provided free by Xtools. Nothing wrong with that but XTool is fairly new and not quite proven yet (hence reflected with lower price). The other thing I did think about briefly was the update cost (XTool was the best) but realized I really don't need updates for a while (TopDon and Autel's are expensive after the free update period)

Currently, very happy with TopDon. I really like the larger screen and the topography scanner and has been working very well for me.

 

[plcguru]

Not really what you asked but another thought on the Xtool products... yeah tons of potential shills on youtube for xtool especially and most all the brands.
I looked at the D7 over amazon prime day when it was like $380 and almost pulled the trigger but ended up buying their A30M for like 200. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KT9XNML/?tag=atomicindus08-20 .
It's wireless and has most all the same functions(even menus look the same) of the D7 except key programming stuff... plus free lifetime updates are what sold me. I'm a mid-level diy with 3 different car brands and I looked to see what functions worked on my cars here http://www.xtooltech.com/EN/FunctionQuery.html
I use it with an old amazon fire tablet but it works with a phone as well. I'm happy with it...

 

[maxx1676]

I've been looking for a scanner with some bidirectional capability for a while now. Autel seems to be the "go-to" whenever anyone mentions a scanner other than snap-on. However, it looks like xtool is relatively new on the scene and highly thought of as well from what research I could do and their pricing is competitive and offers better update terms than Autel. I was wondering if anyone has used both and could offer some input, or has any xtool experience. I am specifically looking at the Autel MX808 or Xtool D7. The thing steering me away from Autel is they seem to use **** screens that die in short order from what I have read. I will probably use this for 90% GM and need capability for duramax engines, from my contact with Xtool they say their D7 has full support for L5P duramaxes, not sure about the Autel. Any experience with or opinions of these 2 companies would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

U tube has a video about the X tool 7 and X tool 8..seems like it does everything SnapOn does .
I was impressed by all it can do..

 

[plcguru]

The xtool d8 is on Amazon lightning deal right now for $559. I think last black Friday is was 595 n the d8bt Bluetooth was 615. The d7 was 375 last night on Amazon lightning deal. Don't remember what it was last black Friday

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098L7ZD4K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[FSUwelder1212]

Just to follow up on this, I did a ton of research and ultimately ended up not going with Xtool, it seems a lot of the positive reviews were from “influencers” with questionable knowledge and motives that received the scanner free. Hearing Paul Danners negative opinion of the tool and seeing another bad review from someone on BITOG that bought the tool and ultimately ended up returning it knocked xtool off my list. I kind of went a little crazy and bought several scan tools, for what it’s worth here is what I ended up with and my thoughts:

ThinkDiag 2 - an awesome tool, the graphing ***** and while it can be used on a tablet, being limited to portrait mode *****. It also has better functionality on android and I’ve found some quirks using it with gm that seem to be across the board for launch software. However for the home gamer or to keep in your glovebox (why I bought it) it’s a very powerful tool at a reasonable price.

ThinkDiag with diagzone - diagzone is basically bootleg launch software that can be used on your android tablet of choice. It basically has full functionality of launch/topdon/thinkcar top scan tools including programming/coding for certain brands and also does topology. It works great, although I have found the same quirks with gm as the ThinkDiag 2 with official ThinkDiag software, other than that, no complaints and it’s my go to scanner right now.

VCX NANO GM with WiFi with GDS2 and Tech2win - this works great on GM as expected since gds2 and tech2win is OE GM diag software, this also supports SPS programming, the only negatives are the VCX firmware and license needs to be upgraded every 60 days, the WiFi isn’t super stable and is prone to disconnects (not a big deal, using the USB cable is super stable) and it doesn’t support CAN FD. It also runs on a laptop, which is kind of a pain. For the money it’s the best tool I’ve found for GM and being OE software it does things aftermarket scan tools can’t, specifically late model duramax emission system diag and test procedures.

Snap on Modis Edge - honestly I bought this specifically for the scope and because I got a great deal on it. My opinion is snap on is really lagging behind in their diagnostic software, however, for old stuff there’s nothing better. Also using a cable limits it’s usefulness IMO. Not sure what more I can say about this one other than it really doesn’t get much use unless I need a scope.

I also want to add an Autel to the stable but haven’t decided yet, however I’ve been looking hard at Otofix which uses Autel software with better hardware and better subscription price and they are quite a bit cheaper than Autel standard offerings.

Hopefully this may help someone out in the future.

 

[joel_400]

Around ten years ago I picked up an Autel al539 just to keep in my car. It was less than 200 bucks then but can be had cheaper now. It has a built in voltmeter as well. Great for basic troubleshooting. At the time I worked at a local small shop and we had an Otc genysis. Believe it or not I found the mode 6 data package on the Autel was better than it was. Mostly used that for diagnosing misfires and such on vehicles that weren't setting misfire code. Seemed to come in real hand on ford pickups with bad coil on plug coils that would intermittently misfire. I haven't had any issues with the quality of Autel since I've had it. Great stuff especially for a backup or home tool. Maybe look into one that will do at least abs as well just to have the capabilities if needed.
Joel

 

[SAK335]

I have an Autel MaxiSys 906TS. It's a very capable and powerful tool. Does all of your OBD scanning and resetting, etc, plus has a lot of hot functions and gives you excellent data for diagnostics. If you are a professional running a shop, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one.

The problem is that if you aren't a professional (I'm not...I bought it because I had two BMWs and a Mercedes and I didn't want to buy the individual marque-specific stuff because the prices added up to more than the Autel) the cost of updates will kill you in the end. I think I paid about $1200 four years ago, and it came with 2 years of updates. What I failed (and it was a big fail) to research, was the cost of updates beyond the two year mark. $800 per year is the answer. You can get "black Friday" deals and save maybe $150 off that, but it's still a lot of money. They will give you firmware updates for free, but the car-specific stuff is $800 (it varies based upon the tool you get.)

In my case, we took an overseas opportunity (for my wife's job) and went to Finland, and I took my Mercedes with me and we sold the BMW's. I sold the Mercedes in FInland when we moved to the UK (steering wheel on the wrong side) and bought a used Range Rover so I wouldn't get killed on depreciation when we leave in a year or so. Since the RR is a 2017, my 2020 updated Autel doesn't seem to have any issues, and since it's a Range Rover, you know it's been getting a lot of use.

Anyway, make sure you look at total cost of ownership, and especially software updates. The Autel updates are aimed at professional shops that make a living off of them. If you're a hobbyist, you're going to need to justify the cost of keeping it updated. The tool will work fine as long as you don't buy a newer car than your updates are current with.

That's my experience. The tool has saved me thousands in the time I've owned it.

 

[Wrench97]

Unless you update to a vehicle newer then the scan tool will handle rarely if ever will a update be any benefit to you.
The biggest advantage is that in some cases the update will extend the warranty I've yet to notice and functions added to older vehicles and the data pids will remain the same.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Unless you update to a vehicle newer then the scan tool will handle rarely if ever will a update be any benefit to you.
The biggest advantage is that in some cases the update will extend the warranty I've yet to notice and functions added to older vehicles and the data pids will remain the same.

Bingo, Autel will renew the warranty for an update cost. Makes a big difference to the equation.

If I was doing DIY, I'd buy a tool, maybe update a few years after initial purchase, done. Keeping a tool current doesn't make sense based on the structure of cost/value for most DIY use. Outside bypassing gateways, or current year stuff (which is under warranty), keeping tooling current almost doesn't make sense for pro use.

 

[SAK335]

I agree with both of you. I don't plan to update the tool until I buy a car that requires it, which likely won't be for 3-4 more years. But I still think it's ludicrous that a software update is 2/3 the original cost of the tool.

 

[dnschmidt]

I agree with both of you. I don't plan to update the tool until I buy a car that requires it, which likely won't be for 3-4 more years. But I still think it's ludicrous that a software update is 2/3 the original cost of the tool.

It does seem that way until you realize that software is basically all there is to a scan tool. Considering how cheaply the hardware used in scan tools is 2/3 for software seems about right. Nuts, I know, but think about it.

 

[SAK335]

It does seem that way until you realize that software is basically all there is to a scan tool. Considering how cheaply the hardware used in scan tools is 2/3 for software seems about right. Nuts, I know, but think about it.

Having started my professional career (30+ years ago) in software development, I completely understand. But even with enterprise software, there's a massive difference between the original purchase and the upgrade from 1.0 to 2.0. The difference being that with an app, the upgrade takes minutes, but with enterprise software it takes months and tons of labor to reinstate your customizations. Which is why the industry moved so quickly from server-based enterprise software to SAS.

I think Autel starts with Android-based tablets, adds some cladding, and loads their software. So you're correct that if a typical Android tablet in this screen size is $400-500, then you are paying that $800 premium for the cladding (to save it from drops, etc) and the software, the majority of which is the software. My tool also came with a case full of OBD adapters (which I've yet to use), the VCI (the adapter which interfaces with the car), and a boroscope which is really helpful and nice that I didn't have to buy one separately.

 

[jrsavoie]

Any new news on this subject?

From what I could understand, neither the XTool 7 or 8 would tell you which tpms was bad.

Kind of a small thing, but If I'm paying that much for a tool, I don't want to have to check my tires.

Any verdict on the best for the money?

TopDon Phoenix Plus is catching my eye so far.

We have 2016 F250 6.7, 2014 Honda CR-V, 2000 Honda CR-V, 2006 Jeep Liberty CRD, 2007 Toyota Yaris, 2007 Hyundai Azera, 1994 Chevy K3500 6.5 diesel.
2022 Kubota LX2610 - do those even have obd2 ports?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Phoenix lite 2 is a very powerful tool for the cost. If you want tpms diagnostic, you will still need a tool to "chirp" or activate sensors. The sensors will also need programmed, this will be with a separate tool. If the sensors are preprogrammed to work with the vehicle, you will need to install and then complete the learn process or manually write the ids.

Any tool that can query the tpms module can tell you "sensor 2 low battery". But unless you have something the chirp the sensors it's a pita. You have to make a major change to air pressure one at a time, have the system recognize this, to deduce which sensor is registered in which position.

 

[SAK335]

I've been watching quite a few guys on YouTube that specialize in diagnosis, and I really like the Phoenix Lite 2 and the Thinktool Pro. They do things that my Autel can't do (or at least, can't do on MY car.) Watching them test things like fuel trims, load balancing of coils, etc has me big time jealous. And they are cheaper than what the Autel cost me. Specifically I'm watching Pine Hollow Auto Diagnositics and guy called Jimmy Making it Work. They both heavily use these two tools and it's really frustrating to see how much more they can do than my Autel can. Not only that, but the ease with which these two tools can bring up multiple graphs of data PIDs on the same screen, and sorting out data types is much easier than the Autel. With the Autel, you scroll through pages and pages, and there's no way to sort them alphabetically, etc. At least not on my model.

 

[cgrutt]

Realize this thread is somewhat old but just wanted to add my recent experience with Autel MP808. Pretty much the least expensive scanner that includes many features that are included with Autels more advanced line. I paid a little over $700. It has slower processor than the higher priced models but am very impressed with all its capabilities. Have done some fairly advanced stuff with it and believe it is a fantastic tool. Some of the menus are dreadfully slow but doesn't really matter to me as I'm just a DYIer. So far used it to reset adaptations after engine swap/rebuild in my wife's Mercedes. Also replaced six airbags, three seatbelts and performed passenger seat learning in same vehicle. Deleted outdated Teleaid system in Mercedes. Diagnosed and repaired variable timing system in BMW, reset steering angle sensor in BMW, reset airbag warnings in BMW, Diagnosed and repaired EVAP system in Ford F150. The Autel pretty much gives you same menus available on dealer system. Highly recommended and great value for the price.

 

[jrsavoie]

Realize this thread is somewhat old but just wanted to add my recent experience with Autel MP808. Pretty much the least expensive scanner that includes many features that are included with Autels more advanced line. I paid a little over $700. It has slower processor than the higher priced models but am very impressed with all its capabilities. Have done some fairly advanced stuff with it and believe it is a fantastic tool. Some of the menus are dreadfully slow but doesn't really matter to me as I'm just a DYIer. So far used it to reset adaptations after engine swap/rebuild in my wife's Mercedes. Also replaced six airbags, three seatbelts and performed passenger seat learning in same vehicle. Deleted outdated Teleaid system in Mercedes. Diagnosed and repaired variable timing system in BMW, reset steering angle sensor in BMW, reset airbag warnings in BMW, Diagnosed and repaired EVAP system in Ford F150. The Autel pretty much gives you same menus available on dealer system. Highly recommended and great value for the price.

This thread isn't old at all.

I still haven't bought anything.

 

[qqzj]

Realize this thread is somewhat old but just wanted to add my recent experience with Autel MP808. Pretty much the least expensive scanner that includes many features that are included with Autels more advanced line. I paid a little over $700. It has slower processor than the higher priced models but am very impressed with all its capabilities. Have done some fairly advanced stuff with it and believe it is a fantastic tool. Some of the menus are dreadfully slow but doesn't really matter to me as I'm just a DYIer. So far used it to reset adaptations after engine swap/rebuild in my wife's Mercedes. Also replaced six airbags, three seatbelts and performed passenger seat learning in same vehicle. Deleted outdated Teleaid system in Mercedes. Diagnosed and repaired variable timing system in BMW, reset steering angle sensor in BMW, reset airbag warnings in BMW, Diagnosed and repaired EVAP system in Ford F150. The Autel pretty much gives you same menus available on dealer system. Highly recommended and great value for the price.

The Autel is good. But that Mercedes? ...

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I've been watching quite a few guys on YouTube that specialize in diagnosis, and I really like the Phoenix Lite 2 and the Thinktool Pro. They do things that my Autel can't do (or at least, can't do on MY car.) Watching them test things like fuel trims, load balancing of coils, etc has me big time jealous. And they are cheaper than what the Autel cost me. Specifically I'm watching Pine Hollow Auto Diagnositics and guy called Jimmy Making it Work. They both heavily use these two tools and it's really frustrating to see how much more they can do than my Autel can. Not only that, but the ease with which these two tools can bring up multiple graphs of data PIDs on the same screen, and sorting out data types is much easier than the Autel. With the Autel, you scroll through pages and pages, and there's no way to sort them alphabetically, etc. At least not on my model.

I believe both of these are launch software.

I have a topdon, it is certainly a capable tool.

 

[cgrutt]

The Autel is good. But that Mercedes? ...

Lol. Actually in great condition. We bought it new in 2006 no accidents. Front driveshaft failed hit under car and set off six airbags and three seatbelts. I fixed it myself from donar vehicle for under $500 good as new. Rebuilt motor due to widespread issue with M272 motor . The Teleaid system was analog the upgraded system to digital and its no longer supported. Hardly ever used it anyway. Vehicle still looks and runs great. I'd still take it over many newer vehicles that they're building today.

 

[whitesco]

Having started my professional career (30+ years ago) in software development, I completely understand. But even with enterprise software, there's a massive difference between the original purchase and the upgrade from 1.0 to 2.0. The difference being that with an app, the upgrade takes minutes, but with enterprise software it takes months and tons of labor to reinstate your customizations. Which is why the industry moved so quickly from server-based enterprise software to SAS.

I think Autel starts with Android-based tablets, adds some cladding, and loads their software. So you're correct that if a typical Android tablet in this screen size is $400-500, then you are paying that $800 premium for the cladding (to save it from drops, etc) and the software, the majority of which is the software. My tool also came with a case full of OBD adapters (which I've yet to use), the VCI (the adapter which interfaces with the car), and a boroscope which is really helpful and nice that I didn't have to buy one separately.

I work in IT as well and you're right - software is an incremental cost to a huge extent, especially if it's well written and fairly modular. But what company is going to skip the opportunity to use that profit margin to their advantage? Take Microsoft for example - I don't know how many Windows .dlls are teh same ones from 3.1, 95, XP, etc.. but I guarantee you the code isn't all new for every release. And then the subscription model for things like Office instead of the one-time $500 pop not only increases revenues but ensures a steady stream of it for the future as well.

 

[volaredon]

I wish I could actually put my hands on an autel, only place I hear about them is in the automotive trade magazines, which instead of "see here" it's "order here"..... Lotsa money to put out to take a chance on it doing what I would need... Cheaper than the snap on that I have but the snap on guy comes once a week, more if needed and I was able to "borrow" the one I have to try it out on vehicles I actually service before I bought it. I don't see that option with autel or Launch

 

[Wrench97]

I wish I could actually put my hands on an autel, only place I hear about them is in the automotive trade magazines, which instead of "see here" it's "order here"..... Lotsa money to put out to take a chance on it doing what I would need... Cheaper than the snap on that I have but the snap on guy comes once a week, more if needed and I was able to "borrow" the one I have to try it out on vehicles I actually service before I bought it. I don't see that option with autel or Launch

They all have their own downsides, I have found there is not 1 single scan tool that will do it all.
The Snap On line up is probably has the least issues but there are features on the Autel that are not on the Modis however I have run across some special functions/system test that are listed but not valid for the vehicle you are working on.................
My Autel is 2 years newer then the Modis and it's(the Autel) now over 2 years old so it's probably time to upgrade the Snappy.......................
Best way to try one is to find a buddy that has one and is willing to let you test it out. I'd love to see what Launch has to offer but have yet to find anyone with one.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have an Autel MaxiSys 906TS. It's a very capable and powerful tool. Does all of your OBD scanning and resetting, etc, plus has a lot of hot functions and gives you excellent data for diagnostics. If you are a professional running a shop, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one.

The problem is that if you aren't a professional (I'm not...I bought it because I had two BMWs and a Mercedes and I didn't want to buy the individual marque-specific stuff because the prices added up to more than the Autel) the cost of updates will kill you in the end. I think I paid about $1200 four years ago, and it came with 2 years of updates. What I failed (and it was a big fail) to research, was the cost of updates beyond the two year mark. $800 per year is the answer. You can get "black Friday" deals and save maybe $150 off that, but it's still a lot of money. They will give you firmware updates for free, but the car-specific stuff is $800 (it varies based upon the tool you get.)

In my case, we took an overseas opportunity (for my wife's job) and went to Finland, and I took my Mercedes with me and we sold the BMW's. I sold the Mercedes in FInland when we moved to the UK (steering wheel on the wrong side) and bought a used Range Rover so I wouldn't get killed on depreciation when we leave in a year or so. Since the RR is a 2017, my 2020 updated Autel doesn't seem to have any issues, and since it's a Range Rover, you know it's been getting a lot of use.

Anyway, make sure you look at total cost of ownership, and especially software updates. The Autel updates are aimed at professional shops that make a living off of them. If you're a hobbyist, you're going to need to justify the cost of keeping it updated. The tool will work fine as long as you don't buy a newer car than your updates are current with.

That's my experience. The tool has saved me thousands in the time I've owned it.

Obviously, you're talking about BMWs, Mercedes Benz and Range Rover. Each of these should come with one in the trunk when you buy the car. Sort of like a spare tire.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

They all have their own downsides, I have found there is not 1 single scan tool that will do it all.
The Snap On line up is probably has the least issues but there are features on the Autel that are not on the Modis however I have run across some special functions/system test that are listed but not valid for the vehicle you are working on.................
My Autel is 2 years newer then the Modis and it's(the Autel) now over 2 years old so it's probably time to upgrade the Snappy.......................
Best way to try one is to find a buddy that has one and is willing to let you test it out. I'd love to see what Launch has to offer but have yet to find anyone with one.

I have a snap on zeus, and autel 906, and a topdon pheonix lite (launch). Unless I need a basic reset function for EPB, service lamp, SAS, the snap on is almost always my first choice. When the snap on tool was a solus, it was still my first grab.

People can hate all they want, snap on produces a functional tool which is reliable. Yeah, it's not grabbing every module on a BMW during a scan. If that's a major issue all the time, perhaps ISTA would be worth a buy. For the average guy doings average shop work, a snap on tool can go far. That doesn't even touch on troubleshooter, the guided component test, the scope, etc.


Biggest problem with my Topdon, and partially my autel, is trust. How many times does that bi-directional test not work because it's actually not a test for this engine/model/trim? That module still doesn't output a 5v ref..... is it configured right? The tool says it was..... but is it? Ideally we'd all just use a j-box pass through for that kind of stuff but that isn't realistic IMO for most shops and how they run.

 

[qqzj]

I hope these diag tools can quickly consolidate and pick a couple winners. Now there are too many options like autel, thinkcar, foxwell, topdon etc. It gets very confusing before it even comes to models

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Topdon/thinkcar appear to be launch software. That consolidates a bit.

 

[qqzj]

Topdon/thinkcar appear to be launch software. That consolidates a bit.

Thanks. Among these kind of providers, which scan tool would you recommend for a home DIYer? No Snap On/OTC etc. Thanks.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Bosch is one of the best.
One of the few that actually makes vehicle electrical components and computers aswell.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Thanks. Among these kind of providers, which scan tool would you recommend for a home DIYer? No Snap On/OTC etc. Thanks.

Bi directional? For the money you're buying a 906 autel or a phenoix lite. Autel has the mx808? It has some bidirectional and plenty of resets, like 400 bucks. Good value.


With scan tools, like many things, the best value is often not the lowest price.

EDIT - best value would probably be a used modis. 2 channel scope, guided component tester, buy one a few years out of date and just live with it.

 

[trackwelder]

I’m looking to buy a used scan tool. I have a mt2500 that I use on my older 80s stuff. I have some gm trucks from 2002-2008 and a 2018 ram pro master city van. I’ve been looking at some of the snap on tools but not really sure which one might work best for me.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I’m looking to buy a used scan tool. I have a mt2500 that I use on my older 80s stuff. I have some gm trucks from 2002-2008 and a 2018 ram pro master city van. I’ve been looking at some of the snap on tools but not really sure which one might work best for me.

For 2018 promaster you MAY need to bypass a secure gateway. If that is the case, you need a tool with current software, and it needs to remain current, plus your 50 bucks to autoauth. That's a whole different situation that changes what you need to buy.

All the snap on tools run the same software, from a zeus to a solus. If they're updated to the same year, they have the same tests and data. The higher end models can graph more things at once, and become wireless. The modis/verus and triton/zeus have the lab scope built in and guided component tester. Now if one tool is updated on newer software, snap onb might have added more features to older models. Maybe. But generally speaking units will have identical scanner performance.

 

[trackwelder]

The gm trucks are what I really need it for. I have no plans on replacing them with anything new. I’ve seen a few modis local for some decent prices.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The gm trucks are what I really need it for. I have no plans on replacing them with anything new. I’ve seen a few modis local for some decent prices.

If one wants to mess with the secure gateway cars, imo the DIY crowd is basically excluded from Snap On as you need twice a year updates. Autel and topdon are cheaper on updates and will come with 1-2 years of free updates keeping your autoauth account working.

If you're not needing to bypass the secure gateway cars, and you're not working on the cutting edge of cars still under warranty, used snap on is worth a look. People underestimate the guided component tester. If you don't have service info, that is basic service info.

 

[trackwelder]

If one wants to mess with the secure gateway cars, imo the DIY crowd is basically excluded from Snap On as you need twice a year updates. Autel and topdon are cheaper on updates and will come with 1-2 years of free updates keeping your autoauth account working.

If you're not needing to bypass the secure gateway cars, and you're not working on the cutting edge of cars still under warranty, used snap on is worth a look. People underestimate the guided component tester. If you don't have service info, that is basic service info.

I still have a few years off the extended warranty on the ram. If I keep it I’ll look into one from Autel etc. I’m looking at a few Modis locally. Just trying to keep my fleet running well. I appreciate your insight. Thanks!!!

 

[Stelzer]

This thread is a bit older but thought I thought I'd pitch in. The Xtool D7 received a number of updates in the last 5 months which added a host of new functions and capabilities not previously available. It now has most of the capabilities of the D8 except ECU coding & ECU configuration. Not sure why they've added so many additional functions in the updates for the D7, since updates for D8 and beyond have been primarily updated to improve their performance based on features they've always had, although the D8 was to receive an update to include ADAS functions. I've only had my D7 since April, and it was actually my first bi-directional scan tool, but for the price point at the time I bought it, (about $400), it'd be hard to complain. I'm not a professional mechanic, just a guy who likes to fix his own stuff as well as for family, neighbors & friends, so I'm sure there's plenty of offerings from competitors which would blow this scanner away, but none at a similar price point.