DIY OBDII Scanner Tools - Suggestions?

[Usafexplorer]

Been lurking in various forums for a more advanced scanner tool without breaking the bank. Came across TOPDON in a couple videos and posts and wanted to see what everyone here thoughts are. I have a couple higher mileage vehicles that I'm trying to keep on the road and its seems like its time to get one of these to assist with troubleshooting and program key fobs, I am in need of at least one key at the moment. I would like to spend $600 or less for basic functions and reset capabilities.

I was looking at the TOPDON midlevel units and came across these two that seem to have quite a few features for the money :
ArtiDiag900 BT
ArtiDiag900 Lite

Unfortunately, the TOPDON doesn't have a compare function (or I'm not seeing it) on what the compromises are from unit to unit. Anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on scanners for DIY users? Thanks.

 

[BrandonV]

The MX808 from Autel will do everything you're asking for a little over $300.

MaxiCheck mx808 Scan Tool

Autel MaxiCheck MX808 combines the MaxiDIAG MD802 and the MaxiCHECK Pro into one tool

www.aeswave.com

I've used mine to program keys a dozen different vehicles (most a few years old at best) and even program the OE factory remote start module on my Acura.

My biggest fear with scan tools is when updates are no longer avaliable and even worse when aftermarket or replacement batteries are no longer avaliable.

I either would buy a cheap Chinese scan tool or an expensive one. The middle of the pack units never appealed to me.

 

[Usafexplorer]

Thanks Brandon, my next question was going to be software updates. I'm a little unclear as to what these costs, the TOPDON brand covers updates for 2 years but the others offer a subscription which looks to as much as replacing the entire unit. Any thoughts?

 

[BrandonV]

Thanks Brandon, my next question was going to be software updates. I'm a little unclear as to what these costs, the TOPDON brand covers updates for 2 years but the others offer a subscription which looks to as much as replacing the entire unit. Any thoughts?

The Autel unit I linked to has one year of free updates. You can find a 1 year update for $80-100 if you look around.

Important thing is with any of these cheap scanners is to make sure you update before the free period ends... if you're really working on older vehicles it is very unlikely you'll need to update for a long time.

 

[Black hawk]

Take a look at LAUNCH 919E

 

[rayra]

If you just want to be able to read codes and clear faults, you can do it for $20 with a wifi or bluetooth ODBII dongle and a smartphone app.

 

[Usafexplorer]

Take a look at LAUNCH 919E

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll take a look at the Launch as well. There are several units in this price point that have similar features.

 

[jptbay]

I've got an XTOOL A30M I have been very happy with.

Used it on GM, Dodge, Nissan, and VW so far.

Has a bunch of Bi- directional functions like electronic parking brake etc.

For me as a home gamer, it has been the cheapest, most functional option.

No screen, so you must have a smart phone or tablet.

Free lifetime upgrades.

AMAZON LINK

On sale now, lowest price ever $169.

 

[plcguru]

I've got an XTOOL A30M I have been very happy with.

Used it on GM, Dodge, Nissan, and VW so far.

Has a bunch of Bi- directional functions like electronic parking brake etc.

For me as a home gamer, it has been the cheapest, most functional option.

No screen, so you must have a smart phone or tablet.

Free lifetime upgrades.

AMAZON LINK

On sale now, lowest price ever $169.

That's what I use too... with a cheap Amazon fire tablet.

 

[gregs]

That's what I use too... with a cheap Amazon fire tablet.

Did you have an issues using it with the Fire tablet? I have an older fire tablet that we dont use any more. I changed something on it a long time ago so I could download from the google store. I have another thread going about the Tech2 and this seems like a possible low cost solution.

 

[plcguru]

Did you have an issues using it with the Fire tablet? I have an older fire tablet that we dont use any more. I changed something on it a long time ago so I could download from the google store. I have another thread going about the Tech2 and this seems like a possible low cost solution.

I bought a used fire 7 generation 9 tablet with 32gb memory and only use it for the xtool and a borescope/endoscope.
Works fine for both things. From memory it needed the 32gb memory and that why I bought that size. All the updates didn't fit on a smaller memory model. More memory is better