I need a bidirectional scan tool and a scope.

[BolognaBlake]

Greets,

I'm just a home gamer, but I flip a car or two a month. I need a bidirectional scan tool. I also need a scope. I'm looking to spend no more than $2500k. I know I can get a Verus with 14.2-15.2 in that price range locally.

I don't have subscriptions to Mitchell, Alldata, or Identifix. The component tester, repair information, and Fast Track seem like they would very handy.

But I've also seen some other scanners, like the newer Genisys for under $1k and an older Genisys with the add on scope and 5.0 software for closer to $600. I saw a Mac Mentor Touch Scout for less than $1k, and they advertise free wiring diagrams and pinouts. I've also been interested in the Hantek scope that runs a little over $200 on eBay.

I guess what I'm asking, is how useful is the resources that come that baked-in on the Verus? What do you all suggest?

 

[Bobioz1]

Fast track is only available with a current sub. With 15.2 you won't have that. Component test will be there, not sure what "repair information" means.

 

[fordnut85]

My opinion is I would look at an older modis. Good units with a 4 channel scope. They can be had for $1000-1500 on flea bay

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[Jeeper]

I am $2400 in between my snap-on solus edge and vantage ultra. The solus was acquired from a pawn shop via Craigslist for $1400 with euro kit. And the vantage ultra was acquired from eBay for just under $1000. I tend to look for deals. I like both units. Don't use them as much as you would if you are flipping cars regularly. Would like to hear your stories on that and how you make it profitable.

I have an older modis that I need to get rid off. Not nearly as friendly as he newer models but it does have 4 channels on the scope.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't have subscriptions to Mitchell, Alldata, or Identifix. The component tester, repair information, and Fast Track seem like they would very handy.

If a car has anything more than a trivial component problem, you are going to need one of the above, even if it is a 1 day subscription.

What good is a 'scope if you don't know where to hook it or can not find where the component lives ?

 

[BolognaBlake]

Fast track is only available with a current sub. With 15.2 you won't have that. Component test will be there, not sure what "repair information" means.

That's a bummer, but that's what I kind of expected. Do you know if the Mac Mentor is the same?

 

[BolognaBlake]

If a car has anything more than a trivial component problem, you are going to need one of the above, even if it is a 1 day subscription.

What good is a 'scope if you don't know where to hook it or can not find where the component lives ?

I agree. I was just wondering in the info in the component tester on the Verus would be enough.

 

[BolognaBlake]

Thanks for all the input.

Another question: if I have to be up to date to use Fast Track (I won't), what are your thoughts on an older Modis with the 4 channel scope? I know those have the component tester as well. Will they have the same bi directional controls as a Verus on the same software?

Thanks again, I don't have much experience with pro scan tools outside of playing with them while helping out at a friend's shop. It's certainly a non-trivial amount of money for something that's pretty much a hobby.

 

[WhiffySpark]

If a car has anything more than a trivial component problem, you are going to need one of the above, even if it is a 1 day subscription.

What good is a 'scope if you don't know where to hook it or can not find where the component lives ?

That's integrated in the scope and you don't have to pay for it

 

[Tallpilot]

I just bought a used Ethos Tech with current software and a Uscope from AES wave. I am just over $1500 in and that included the amp clamps, secondary pickups, etc. If you don't have those things you will need them. My issue with the Snap On scanners with lab scopes is that you cannot use the scope with the Scan tool, which limits functionality (please correct me if I am wrong). Later when I decide I need two or four channels I will get a Pico scope now that I have all the necessary leads and connectors.

The Ethos doesn't have the troubleshooter but it is nice to have the current software and I saved enough money that I can afford $160 a month for Mitchell.

Just like you I was looking for bidirectional controls and a labscope. I am happy with my choices but there are many other choices so I don't claim to have the perfect solution just a solution that worked for me and was reasonable cost.

 

[Mr_B]

I would go with half decent 2 channel portable scope-dmm and whatever scan tool works best for cars you tend handle . having them as separate units is way more handy.
A lot of test bits such as relay break out with manual switch, extended fuse links for clamp meter, back probes and secondary pickups can be made up for pennies .
Most of component data etc can be sourced online free if not doing enough make subscription services worthwhile.

 

[Showkey]

I would buy a decent scanner with graphing ability ad skip the scope for now. If you need a scope buy one a seperate unit.

Bang for the buck it hard to beat AUTEL that have bi directional in their higher price stuff.

I have the AUTEL 802 all systems scanner ( not bi directional) but it does my my Mercedes Sprinter which is no ease task and gives the exact life data list on my Honda's as the factory scan tool.

AUTEL has fixed their updates and are now free.

 

[bushmechanic]

You'll want to spend a lot of time making this decision.

I'd visit a few independent and European/Import shops and ask around; maybe see if you can explore what they have and how it works. You're going to want to try these things out, and that's pretty much the only way to do it.

Few people seem to have used enough of them to know the differences, and fewer still can explain subscription models adequately. Charm your way into a chance to play with some scanners before buying one.

They all have rave reviews and horror stories.

 

[emort007]

I think I must say this everytime this comes up, But a Used OTC Genisys or Genisys Evo would be the perfect tool for you. I spent $100 for mine, added coverage up to 2013 for another $60, and a new battery for $15 more. so for 175 I have a bi-directional pro level scanner that does 99% of what I need.
You can buy a scope that fits right in the unit used om fleabay for anther $150 and you'll have it all. That plus a quick google search can usually solve any issue.

For a car flipper it would be perfect!

 

[Bobioz1]

My opinion is I would look at an older modis. Good units with a 4 channel scope. They can be had for $1000-1500 on flea bay

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This is good advice for the O.P. I've seen them in pawnshops around here for 7 or $800

 

[BolognaBlake]

I think I must say this everytime this comes up, But a Used OTC Genisys or Genisys Evo would be the perfect tool for you. I spent $100 for mine, added coverage up to 2013 for another $60, and a new battery for $15 more. so for 175 I have a bi-directional pro level scanner that does 99% of what I need.
You can buy a scope that fits right in the unit used om fleabay for anther $150 and you'll have it all. That plus a quick google search can usually solve any issue.

For a car flipper it would be perfect!

There's a local Genisys EVO with 5.0 software and a scope that I bet I could pick up for $500 after some haggling.

Do you like it? I hear the scope on it isn't the most user friendly.

 

[emort007]

Well, I went from a Fluke 88 Scopemeter to The Genisys Scope, so Speed wise it was an improvement.

As for the user friendly, I'd say its fine. I like the fact that it has a database of components already built in so if you want to look at a crank sensor, it will set the scope up to those parameters right away.
The Scopemeter has something similar, but less advanced.

Like any new system it takes a little bit of practice to make the most of it, but I swear I've gotten more use out of that genisys than I have out of either the Snap-on tools We have had in the shop.
The other nice thing of course is the tool is mine, and Is available when I need it and its always how I left it. I'm sure some of you out there know fellow techs that leave stuff left on, or lose cables damn near every time they use a shop tool.

Hope this helps.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you can watch YouTube videos, South Main Auto has a nice collection of scanners and lab scopes. You can see how they work.

 

[BolognaBlake]

Just for the sake of closure, I bought a Modis updated to 15.4 for $800. I know I would have preferred the simplicity of touch screen, but the price was right.

 

[Mr_B]

price fair enough but the legacy modus is clumsy to use.
Would of gone for a 2 channel scope and basic bidirectional scanner as separate units as way better use that way .

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't have subscriptions to Mitchell, Alldata, or Identifix. The component tester, repair information, and Fast Track seem like they would very handy.

If you are chasing engine electrical/emission problems access to wiring diagrams is a MUST !

Free wiring diagrams from BBB Industries.

 

[brassgod]

How much is it to update a Snap-on scanner?

If I were to buy a used scanner from eBay with an old SW version, how much would it be to get the updated SW?

 

[VinceG]

For a scope you can get the Hantek 1008 it like $80 on Amazon. you might need to buy a couple of Attenuator and is ok for most automotive uses. they have newer software that comes with it that is easy to use and has some presets.

 

[dsmnickk90]

I spent around $1900 on a solus pro with 16.4 and and vantage pro with 12.4. For $2500 I'd probably get an autel and vantage pro

 

[Bobioz1]

Just for the sake of closure, I bought a Modis updated to 15.4 for $800. I know I would have preferred the simplicity of touch screen, but the price was right.

Good call. If I suddenly lost all my stuff, that's what I would buy.