So I'm looking at getting a scan tool and wanted some opinions from what others have used. I need to read and clear dtcs and abs I also wanted to be able to view freeze frame and live data. Those are the main functions I need I mostly work on American Toyota and nissans oh and be able to update. I was looking at the innova 3160, launch creeder or bluepoint microscan pro. Any input would be great thanks.
$300-$400 scan tool for professional mechanic
- Thread starter ruby9090
- Start date
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
joe_padavano
Well-known member
I'll vote for the OTC Genysis, which is in the same price range used. I'm not familiar with the Nemysis, but the Genysis will do all the bidirectional tests that the factory scan tools will do. Be sure you get the operating system and software that covers the years you plan to work on, and you may need an occasional special cable or OBD cable insert (unless you get the new smart cable).
bobcatdan
Well-known member
Unless this has changed, OTC burns you on updates. Say yours is updated threw '08. You saw no reason to '10 and now it is getting to the point, you want to get '12. '12 will not load without '10 on it. Updates are over $200 last time I bought any. I was three updates behind on my Mac taskmaster which is the same the OTC. I was looking at over $700 to update. I traded the thing off on a new SO.
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
When I got the nemysis I got 2 of them thru my dad while he was still teaching auto repair at the local high school. I believe they were circa 2002. The high school paid to get them up to 2008 before my dad retired. I couldn't tell you how much each update was. I use it at home now and my oldest vehicle is an 08. I figure anything newer will just go to the dealer under warranty so I am not really worried about not be current. In a few years I will either update it or trade it. Even in a daily shop the same theory applies in part. The newer stuff will go to the dealer and the slightly older will go to the indys. As a good first platform OTC is the way to go. Hope that makes some sense. It sounded good in my head.
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
The blue point microscan? I have seen it but never used it. I like the look and feel of the larger scanners. They are easier to read for me due to the eyeballs in my head getting old. Not sure the smaller units like code readers will be what you want. Not sure if the blue point falls into that category. I saw the blue point one a while ago on the truck for something $300 or $315. I could be just guessing on the price.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QIUGVI/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I received this for X-mas and pretty good so far and better than the cheap ones off the truck
I received this for X-mas and pretty good so far and better than the cheap ones off the truck
richfinn
Well-known member
That's the best way in my opinion, buy a new scan tool on promotion and never buy an update when it's 3 years old trade it for the next generation of scan tool.
Let's face it most cars under 3 years old are under manufacturers warranty, so unless you work at a dealer who have factory tools anyhow ,why bother.
In 3 years time most diag platforms are redundant IMHO.
I've watched previous employers get burned buying into some piece of equipment that times out if you fail to update and end up with a doorstop.
In summary if you are prepared to pay for updates buy a factory tool and specialise in those brands.
If you want to repair everything (with limitations) buy a new tool every 3 years.
I keep (collect
) old scan tools and it's fun being able to fix stuff even the original dealers can't do anymore (because they don't have the kit any longer).No money in it though
dankicksass
Well-known member
I had one, not the new touchscreen one but the one with buttons. It's good for a hand held scanner; almost like they shrunk down the old brick, very familiar and easy to use. I traded it for an air hammer because I almost never used it.
Got one also. But I just use it for personal vehicles. Serves me well.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
Genisis requires a "special" nissan cable from 96 thru 99. even though there is a OBDII port, it's useless. I understand there where big fines for Nissan for not compling with the USA OBDII law.
JonnyMac
Well-known member
Autel maxidas 708.
Most of the other autel range is great value for money and covers a wide range of vehicles. All web based free updates too.
Jon (obd calibration engineer!)
Most of the other autel range is great value for money and covers a wide range of vehicles. All web based free updates too.
Jon (obd calibration engineer!)
JonnyMac
Well-known member
I said the autel range. Yes the maxidas 708 comes in at around $1000 if you look hard but the cheaper handheld devices they make are also extremely capable.
I agree with you. I have 3 made by Autel (2 MS509 and 1 MS3xx). I had also tried JP701 but that had too many bugs, so I returned it. Their new ALxxx series looks promising, especially AL609 and AL619 but I have no personal experience with it. AL609 is under $80 and is probably the bargain of the year for scanner with ABS capability.