matco maximus(mdmax) vs snap on verus

[anthonyfilice]

Hi I am currently doing my apprenticeship and am looking to buy a really good scan tool with a scope and bi directional controls within the next 3 years. I am looking at the maximus($4000) and verus($10000) but am open to other scan tools. We have a verus at school and i love it, but that price is really hard to swallow. The maximus seems to be on par with the verus, but there really isn't much information on the maximus out there. So I would like to know what you guys think, if any one owns a maximus, what is it like? is it fast? how is coverage? what is your overall opinion on it?

I would ask my dealers but I just don't have the cash right now and don't want them hounding me every time I see them to buy the scan tool.

 

[Wamsutta]

ScannerDanner prefers the Verus and Vantage Pro mostly. He also uses a four channel Picoscope.

 

[MattPersman]

I am pretty sure the Matco is just a launch x431 with a different case for Matco. In fact in Matcos description it says x431 software suite. So 4 grand I don't think so, talk to your snap on driver about scan tool deal or trade in or used updated one.

 

[wafrederick]

I did hear the Maximus is a great scan tool,the guy that thought of it worked for Snap On coming out with the Versus and now works for Matco tools.Stay away from Bosch scan tools,their service flat out ***** and don't stand behind anything at all.Basically the scan tool is yours with no tech support,the rep either gets fired from Bosch or quits.Same with OTC whom is owned by Bosch,avoid also.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

Depending on what you'll be working on matco is not the way to go. We tried one out at work and there were a few vehicles it wouldn't communicate with... Volvo being one of them.. Not to mention they're way slower. The snappy's are alot faster and can do more vehicles.... But keep in mind that every year they have updates for them that cost a pretty penny, close to a grand. Not to mention some cars require keys which are almost 50 bucks a peice.

Why do you need your own scan tool? Most shops you'll work for SHOULD have their own and if they don't... well you probably don't want to work there. I have a simple scan tool for home use. It does codes live date and abs... That's all I need.

If your really dead set on needing/wanting one... Look into auto enginuity. Also, 3 years from now, whatever you look into now... The game will have changed. Worry about it when your ready.

 

[bimmerTEK]

I say get a used a vantage pro and amp probe with meter. Scanner I will wait if you go to dealer they provide the scanner anyway. Get maybe the autel 708 for your general repairs or side jobs, they are cheap since the new ms908 is coming out.

 

[Marflenk]

My shop is currently considering purchasing a new scan tool. Snap On Solus, or Matco MDMAX. Thoughts?

 

[dnschmidt]

ScannerDanner is hardly an unbiased opinion. Snap-On works just like Hitler Youth did. Their program is to indoctrinate them young and keep their minds forever. As a teacher in a tech school he get's at least 50% off on everything Snap-On and likely does even better than that because he's ScannerDanner.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

I just got the matco maximus (or whatever it's called) a couple of weeks ago. I'm primarily used to a snap on modis ultra, so my comparisons are based off that.

So far I like the matco. It's slower than the modis with initial communication and a little bit different to navigate through the vehicle systems, however I feel that live data and active commands are easier to figure out. Not to mention it's actually a tablet, so you can surf the internet and google things if need be. The wireless connection is real nice and having a docking station is great. I played with the truck demo for a week before I commited to buying it. I'm glad I got it. So far I've scanned and played around with Nissan, scion, honda, Chrysler, Chevy, and fords. I'm eager to try saab, volvo, audi, vw... those are the vehicles that usually take forever to get into with the modis and then you randomly get booted out or loose function after your in.

 

[Dtech494]

I have had a Maximus as a demo for a week or so and like it so far.
I am considering getting the Max Go which has the same software and features less doc and scope capabilities plus smaller screen.
It compliments my Autel 906 and older Solus with 14.2 quite well.

On a 2003 Subaru the Maximus displayed the best engine pids.
I tested on a 2001 Ford and Maximus even had virtual compression test.

On a 2017 CRV both Autel and Maximus seemed similar.

On 2017 Buick Maximus and Autel were similar.
Both the Autel and Maximus were able to reset the oil life monitor.
On older all three appear similar.
I had discovered on the 06 G6 that Autel makes errors when swapping passenger seat
presence sensor and modules which I had to correct with the Snap On.

I like how the Maximus displays good choice of Pids for troubleshooting emission faults.