Best Bang-for-Buck ODBII Scanner.

[zendriver]

18yo Grandson can only afford the cheapest WM code/reset model. He likes to buy some of the crappiest FBM cars cheap to drive or flip.

I'd like to treat him to a slight upgrade (since the cars seem to have plenty of codes). I like the battery/alternator test function Whatever else somewhat useful tossed in. Amazon only has a half million different ones, just wonder if anyone came across a low cost gem.

Maybe under $100

Thanks

I don't think he'll use it when buying, realizing that the cars are not all that, to start with.

Just want him to have something a nicer.

 

[mike93lx]

18yo Grandson can only afford the cheapest WM code/reset model. He likes to buy some of the crappiest FBM cars cheap to drive or flip.

I'd like to treat him to a slight upgrade (since the cars seem to have plenty of codes). I like the battery/alternator test function Whatever else somewhat useful tossed in. Amazon only has a half million different ones, just wonder if anyone came across a low cost gem.

Maybe under $100

Thanks

I don't think he'll use it when buying, realizing that the cars are not all that, to start with.

Just want him to have something a nicer.

I'd absolutely use it when buying. Knowing how recently a check engine light was reset can be very useful.

I have a super basic corded one that I've owned for nearly 20 years and a Bluetooth dongle that I run with a phone app and also Forscan. The BT one is an OBDLink LX

 

[Rinspeed]

I bought an Ancel AD410 for my first scanner and it works pretty well, it was around $50. I have others now but I still use it on occasion. I would think a separate battery analyzer might make more sense.

 

[jayemm]

I second the suggestion of a separate battery tester. For an inexpensive scanner with live data and gives possible causes of trouble codes, maybe try a ANCEL or FOXWELL around $50 mark. Here's one battery tester.

https://www.amazon.com/TOPDON-BT100-Automotive-Alternator-Motorcycle/dp/B07Z67MMGC?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Rinspeed]

I second the suggestion of a separate battery tester. For an inexpensive scanner with live data and gives possible causes of trouble codes, maybe try a ANCEL or FOXWELL around $50 mark.

I also have a Foxwell for the Bimmers and it too works pretty well, it was quite a bit more though, maybe $150.

 

[jayemm]

I also have a Foxwell for the Bimmers and it too works pretty well, it was quite a bit more though, maybe $150.

Well, Foxwell ,like others, makes different levels of scanners and I wouldn't doubt that a BMW specific would be more expensive. I just have the more basic Foxwell NT301 which doesn't respond as fast as the equivalent ANCEL but to me has a nicer display, displays around 48 PIDS of live data on my Mazda, gives possible causes of trouble codes and suits my needs at present. I paid ~$55 for it about 4 years ago.
When choosing a scanner it seemed to me that the true choices were basic or high(er) end with little middle ground. And depends heavily (obviously) on how much it will be used and what depth a person is willing to go to. Even the lower end scanners that offer different functions (ABS,SRS, SAS, oil reset, TBI learn, injector coding etc etc), most aren't relevant to my vehicle or somebody else is going to do it.
The high end ones that do bi-directional , key programming and a bunch of other stuff (some of which I don't understand) aren't relevant either for my use (or interest). Specific transmission trouble codes might be nice to know but I'm sure as hell not dropping the sub-frame and tearing into the transmission even if I know what's wrong. A scanner without experience and adequate facilities is only part of the picture.
None of this makes sense if my present car of 11-1/2 years never had a trouble code. And my previous car of 10-1/2 years had 1 code (ABS) which I knew was a broken wire. Hence a basic scanner to lead the way to basic troubleshooting--- should the need arise. And then to a shop if further diagnosis and repair needed.
I know you didn't ask for this response but as a DIY of simple means I had to get this off of my chest.

 

[CGarage]

A mistake to not run a scanner when buying an OBD equipped car these days.

You should try to teach him about doing adequate pre purchase inspections.

A fool and their money are easily parted.

Going through life this way is a bad decision.

 

[zendriver]

A mistake to not run a scanner when buying an OBD equipped car these days.

You should try to teach him about doing adequate pre purchase inspections.

A fool and their money are easily parted.

Going through life this way is a bad decision.

Sounds like a plan and maybe it’s just me but it seems like anytime I give out Sage advice” to anyone it’s ignored almost 100% of the time. Hopefully others have better luck.

I’m sure I did the same so just like me he’s gonna have to figure **** out himself. He is aware if he buys a car on Facebook for $2000 it’s gonna have multiple things wrong with it.

That’s why it’s for sale

 

[mike93lx]

Sounds like he may need to figure this one out for himself. Let him start with a cheap scanner and go from there

 

[bassJAM]

If he's has an Android there's an App called Torque Pro that works really well. Pair it with a $20 bluetooth OBDII dongle and he'll be in good shape. I'm sure there's something similar available if he's running an iphone.

I've heard this is good too if you're wanting to spend some money.

OBDLink MX+

The OBDLink® MX+ is the top-of-the-line OBD II scan tool to use with forscan and comes with bluetooth. Get one here today and gain access to your vehicle!

www.obdlink.com

 

[mikegt4]

Consider that a scanner can only read the computer in the car and therefore is limited by the car's capability. An advanced scanner will not be able to utilize all it's features on an older vehicle.