AutoXray TechScan 7000 vs. Equus 3160

Hey gang,

I want to purchase a scan tool for code retrieval and light diagnostic use. OBDII and CAN compatibility is a must. The Innova Equus 3160 is one model that I am considering since it promises to read "OEM-enhanced codes" and transmission DTCs. It also has the ability to retrieve ABS trouble codes from certain domestics.

http://www.equus.com/product_info.php?product_id=3160&category_id=1_10_7

I am also looking at the AutoXray TechScan 7000. This one costs $200 more, but allows you to purchase add-on cards which will give you OEM-specific diagnostics for certain brands. It also allows you to print directly to an USB printer. But aside from those two additional features, it doesn't seem to offer much more than the cheaper Equus 3160.

http://www.autoxray.com/product_detail.php?pid=136

So to me, the Equus 3160 seems like a much better deal, at least for me. What do do you guys think? Do any of you own the Equus 3160?

I am also open to suggestions on what other models I should consider.

Thanks!

If you have a USB adapter you can update the Equus software. I have a 3140 and had to buy a $4.00 cable on ebay to update.
I had a OTC 4000E and adapters ant other items cost more than the tool.

If you are going to use it as a pro, ie make money with it, I would go with something better and more flexible. For personal use, a cheap $40 reads codes and turns off the check engine light. Its a gray area with the brand specific codes, the only units I suspect that are fully up to date and fully functional are the super expensive dealer tools. Its hard to know on anything less exactly what doesn't work or doesn't work well.

I am starting to think I might have been smart to buy http://www.autoenginuity.com/ even if it is around $400 with the Ford module I would need.

I dont mean to hyjack this thread, but. What is the cheepest codes reader that also does body and transmission codes?

I looked at the techscan 7000 and it has some great bi-directional controls found normally in the high end scan tools.
If it were me, that's the one I would get.