K5blazer83
Well-known member
For my mobile mechanic business I'm looking at buying a diagnostic scan tool but I'm not sure whether to buy brand new or used. Suggestions?
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Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools
- Thread starter K5blazer83
- Start date
Nuit Damnant
Well-known member
I deal with alot of customers at work having the same debate and I can say that in my experience that it all depends on what type of scanner you want. Something updateable I'd say new just due to the fact that by the time you get done buying some of the updates you almost have the cost of a new one in. Not to say that I haven't seen some great systems for sale that have pretty recently been updated that are priced right. Its just what you can find and really do you need the most recent updates? I know that I have had more people lately abandoning their systems and going to a new Launch. Seems to be the popular new thing, I've sold half dozen in the last year, and although I havent had any chance to play with it myself I've heard nothing but great reviews from those that bought it. If you're looking at a basic code reader there's some pretty impressive stuff used out there, and I wouldn't be afraid to go that route as long as the right deal came along on something that looked well taken care of.
CarCrafter
Well-known member
I would say that it depends on your clientele base and also your financial situation. I too have explored the option of adding on a mobile based service to my business planning. At any rate, I ended up buying 2 used OTC Genisys scantools in the interim. One is updated to 2003 Domestic 2002 Asian Import running 2.0, the other is a year or two behind I believe. What I have come to find is that most people that seek service in the aftermarket are bringing you cars that are several years older. Most that are still covered under the manufacturer warranty will most likely go back to their respective dealer if the MIL came on, so its not likely I would lose any significant part of the business anyway. On the other hand, you can still access the generic OBD2 codes even without having it updated to the most current levels. I bought these machines over two years ago with less than $700 invested for both. I am sure there are even more newer machines out there now if you shopped around. I am not against new, but if you are just starting up, you'll want to keep the costs down and this is one way to do it. The way I figure, when the business starts rolling in, the new ones will still be there.
GeorgiaHybrid
Well-known member
If you are looking for a nice, used unit that will work for most of the cars that you will be servicing, try asking your Snap-on dealer about a used "brick". They are still good scanners and although not quite a Solus Pro, they will work for most situations you might encounter and be a lot cheaper than the newer units.
If you prefer a new system and have the cash, a Solus Pro, Modis or Verus from SO would be my choice but I'm sure that OTC, Matco, MAC and others will also work as well. Do you have a dollar number you are working with?
If you prefer a new system and have the cash, a Solus Pro, Modis or Verus from SO would be my choice but I'm sure that OTC, Matco, MAC and others will also work as well. Do you have a dollar number you are working with?
jsaw
Well-known member
Just keep in mind that It will cost $900 a year to keep a Snap On scanner up to date. I'm not sure about the cost of other scan tool updates, but I'm sure that they are not free.
GeorgiaHybrid
Well-known member
Just keep in mind that It will cost $900 a year to keep a Snap On scanner up to date. I'm not sure about the cost of other scan tool updates, but I'm sure that they are not free.
If you get a good price on a red brick that was updated thru 2007 or 2008, you might not need an update until it is time to replace it. I don't know about your dealers but around here, they are cheap.
OP
K5blazer83
Well-known member
For GeorgiaHybrid: I can't go above $999 for used or brand new.
daveblank
Well-known member
If you have some time to wait & search, do so. OTC will do a refurbished Genisys about 1-2 times a year. It will have the current software & a killer price.
CarCrafter
Well-known member
$999 pretty much limits you to something used. OTC with 09 Domestic/Asian/ Airbag & ABS will set you back around $1400 on the web. With your budget, you should still be able to grab a Genisys with update to 2005/2006 and then upgrade when you get more funds.