HF Code Reader/Scanner vs. Autel

[diggerrick]

The HF 98614 appears to be a rebadged Autel MS509 at nearly twice the price and quarter the warranty:

HF 98614: Currently on sale for $129.99 w/ 90 day warranty

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/diagnostics/can-obd-ii-code-reader-eobd-scanner-98614.html



Autel MS509: Available on Amazon for $69.55 w/ manufacturer's 1 year warranty
http://www.amazon.com/Autels-Maxiscan-Ms509-Obd-ii-Scanner/dp/B005N671AI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339171078&sr=8-2

http://www.auteltech.com/ms509.htm


Compare the manuals:

HF 98614: http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/98000-98999/98614.pdf

Autel S509: http://www.auteltech.com/pdf/MS509_Manual_V1.01.pdf

Also, the HF model has bad review remarks for not really being updateable, but the Autel clearly is updateable. I'm guessing the Autel updates would work with the HF model, but that is just speculation.

I don't know why anybody would buy the HF unit when the Autel model is lower priced, better supported, and has a better warranty.

 

[Danglerb]

HF makes no sense at all sometimes, but be sure they always make $$$.

 

[jeep450]

Whoever makes the case is selling them to Autel and whoever makes the HF.

 

[csp]

So the HF unit isn't updatable, but the ad says it is?

 

[dledinger]

It is update able through the OEM, but last I checked there had never been an update issued.

 

[DFW-LSX]

Will either scan abs/airbags?

 

[diggerrick]

Will either scan abs/airbags?

No - for that you need the Autel MS609:
http://www.auteltech.com/ms609.htm

I don't think HF has a scanner that will read ABS codes.

 

[ajchien]

So any opinions on whether the Autel MS509 is any good?

 

[Motor-Mechanic]

So any opinions on whether the Autel MS509 is any good?

I use mine regularly at work because for what it does it's so much faster than our laptop diag kit. Very happy with it.