2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
TLDR: I need a new scanner to replace my Solus Pro. Looking mainly at Autel, very lightly a Launch. What models are you guys using as a main diagnostic tool? I'd like to stay under 2k, I will go higher if needed. My primary work is on American, Japanese/Korean cars.
It's 2017, my Solus Pro is updated to 2014, that's a problem. I don't have Euro keys, and I'm sick of keys, and an update costs $1000, and I don't have a regular dealer. My back-up (light duty) is a Launch 129, just basic live data.
So, since I don't plan on updating the Solus, I want a new scanner. The following is a bit of my wants and needs.
- Reasonable update cost, $1000 a pop for snap on really doesn't work for me. Yeah, the autels are $700 for an update, but I feel it's a better deal as I can update it at the beginning and end of a new model year release. That's the plan anyway.
- Mimic the current data capabilities of my Solus. ABS valve position monitors, bay self tests of EVAP systems, bi directional controls (as many as I can get), OEM code retrieval (not generic global OBD), etc.
- Fast(er) boot time, the solus is brutal. So much so that I do everything I can to get by with the little launch and its live data as not to lug it out.
- I do like the graphing quality on the Solus, I'd like to have at least equal graphing quality.
- NO KEYS
- I have zero need for TPMS, entering relearn mode would be nice, but I really don't care, take it to a tire shop.
- I have no need/desire to reprogram modules, nor flash cars to update them.
- I am okay with a corded interface to the OBDII plug.
- I want to have the connectors/ability to connect to systems not covered by the OBDII plug.
- Amazing euro coverage isn't required, but I do want euro coverage for when I do work on them. OBDI coverage would also be a plus, but not required.
From reading here on the forum, and searching, Autel seemed to be the best fit. The main venders I am interested in purchasing from are AES wave, and Amazon. AES claims to be the official distributor, with decent feedback, Amazon will return the scanner if it's a brick out of the box. If anyone has experience to suggest I go another route/vender, please say so.
AES Wave shows updates currently for the 905 and 908 models. Annoyingly, the 906 seemed like a perfect fit in price and features. But if it will go unsupported, then it's useless. I do understand I'll be buying a new one in 4-ish years. Times change, etc.
I know very little about the Launch 431x. I do like my little red launch, but I have heard few reviews on what it can do. It comes with 2 years of updates, and is $700 a year afterwards.
So, Autel MS905 vs. MS908 (maybe vs.) the 431x.
Who has opinions for 2017?
It's 2017, my Solus Pro is updated to 2014, that's a problem. I don't have Euro keys, and I'm sick of keys, and an update costs $1000, and I don't have a regular dealer. My back-up (light duty) is a Launch 129, just basic live data.
So, since I don't plan on updating the Solus, I want a new scanner. The following is a bit of my wants and needs.
- Reasonable update cost, $1000 a pop for snap on really doesn't work for me. Yeah, the autels are $700 for an update, but I feel it's a better deal as I can update it at the beginning and end of a new model year release. That's the plan anyway.
- Mimic the current data capabilities of my Solus. ABS valve position monitors, bay self tests of EVAP systems, bi directional controls (as many as I can get), OEM code retrieval (not generic global OBD), etc.
- Fast(er) boot time, the solus is brutal. So much so that I do everything I can to get by with the little launch and its live data as not to lug it out.
- I do like the graphing quality on the Solus, I'd like to have at least equal graphing quality.
- NO KEYS
- I have zero need for TPMS, entering relearn mode would be nice, but I really don't care, take it to a tire shop.
- I have no need/desire to reprogram modules, nor flash cars to update them.
- I am okay with a corded interface to the OBDII plug.
- I want to have the connectors/ability to connect to systems not covered by the OBDII plug.
- Amazing euro coverage isn't required, but I do want euro coverage for when I do work on them. OBDI coverage would also be a plus, but not required.
From reading here on the forum, and searching, Autel seemed to be the best fit. The main venders I am interested in purchasing from are AES wave, and Amazon. AES claims to be the official distributor, with decent feedback, Amazon will return the scanner if it's a brick out of the box. If anyone has experience to suggest I go another route/vender, please say so.
AES Wave shows updates currently for the 905 and 908 models. Annoyingly, the 906 seemed like a perfect fit in price and features. But if it will go unsupported, then it's useless. I do understand I'll be buying a new one in 4-ish years. Times change, etc.
I know very little about the Launch 431x. I do like my little red launch, but I have heard few reviews on what it can do. It comes with 2 years of updates, and is $700 a year afterwards.
So, Autel MS905 vs. MS908 (maybe vs.) the 431x.
Who has opinions for 2017?
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