Any Snap-on Modis users?

[johnzcarz]

From time to time I see these pop up used for a reasonable (cough, cough, hack) price. Has anyone bought a used one? What has been your experience with it?

I’ve been told that unless it’s current with it’s software, Snap-on will require you to update it AND buy every year in between what you have and the latest. Is that true? At $1k per update I can see why people don’t bother updating them and sell them as-is.

Does not having the latest version really stop you from using the unit – for instance, if the software covers up to ‘07 and you plug it into an ‘08 vehicle, does it just not work for that vehicle or is it that some new features aren't available?

What about the diagnostic help/reference feature – is that a subscription or something that’s part of the software?

Personality keys???? Is it a problem if they aren’t included?

 

[spoolgarage]

From time to time I see these pop up used for a reasonable (cough, cough, hack) price. Has anyone bought a used one? What has been your experience with it?

I’ve been told that unless it’s current with it’s software, Snap-on will require you to update it AND buy every year in between what you have and the latest. Is that true? At $1k per update I can see why people don’t bother updating them and sell them as-is.

Does not having the latest version really stop you from using the unit – for instance, if the software covers up to ‘07 and you plug it into an ‘08 vehicle, does it just not work for that vehicle or is it that some new features aren't available?

What about the diagnostic help/reference feature – is that a subscription or something that’s part of the software?

Personality keys???? Is it a problem if they aren’t included?

Keys are expensive and needed. Software really isnt that important but to be honest it was around 9.0 that snap on started doing a good job on the software. Diagnostic troubleshooting is built in.

 

[GrandmaSideways]

Yup. I use one at my mechanic friend's shop. Keys are pricey.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Keys will run around $300 if you don't have them (Domestic and Asian). As noted, the troubleshooter is built in and works fairly well in the later versions (10.4 and up).

Your Snap-on guy can get around some of the update costs if he is a good dealer....

You can use the Modis on a 2011 car with older software but you will be limited to reading generic codes and doing simple testing. The vehicle specific codes will not be in that software. An example of that would be Volvo. Until 11.2 came out, I could only read the generic OBD II codes. I can now read the Volvo specific codes and run 2-way tests on them.

 

[asemastertech]

ok dude heres the scoop. My shop bought a used modis for 2500 a few years back and it was the best thing we ever did. Yes we had it updated too for 900. It came with all the keys and every adapter and cord we need. We did add a low amp probe to use with the scope and thats the best 300 bucks ever spent. If someone told you that you are required to get it updated they are flat out wrong. Its your tool, you do whatever you want with it. I you wanted to look up a car newer than your update you can on the global obd 2 side. You can get codes and data but the tool will not be bi-directional with the vehicle. My suggestion is get the latest update as soon as you can. Also the scope on the module is suer easy to use and you can diagnose bad motors like fuel pumps and window motors with the low amp probe in about 10 minutes.

 

[asemastertech]

also the keys for the modis are the same as the mt2500 scanner. Most guys already have these and you can get them off ebay for a few dollars if need be.

 

[johnzcarz]

Thanks asemastertech.