New scanner time. Help please

[padronanniversary]

Working on mainly Hondas and Acuras

Any recommendation on good diagnostics scanners ?

Budget tops is around $4k

Not sure how deep the snap on line or other lines will go.

Anyone have feedback on the newer snap on models ?

Thanks in advance

 

[Tarheelgarage]

AutoEnginuity software and a laptop.

Their Proline bundle is great.

 

[Skin]

The Verus is definitely a very nice unit for wireless diagnostics plus it has a built in meter and scope. Snap-On's trouble shooter is also a great time saver. With a 4k budget you can pick a like new setup up off ebay fairly easily. Snap-On units are stupidly pricey new, plus the updates, but they support them very well, their trouble shooter is great, and they hold your hand via instructions when it comes to hooking the unit up for tests (scope). Its just a great all round unit to be have confidence in.

I have AE and its okay. Problem with AE is its slow and has bugs that eat up time. Just some issues i've encountered, mode 6 data not displaying for random vehicles, tab descriptions not loading, tests displayed that aren't supported, plus it takes about 3-5 minutes to fully load from the desktop each time. So if you're flat rate and depend on it being reliable I cant really recommend it especially since the OP has the budget for a superior scan tool. For the $1000 price range AE is unmatched in capabilities though.

 

[richfinn]

Working on mainly Hondas and Acuras

Any recommendation on good diagnostics scanners ?

Budget tops is around $4k

Not sure how deep the snap on line or other lines will go.

Anyone have feedback on the newer snap on models ?

Thanks in advance

4k you want the Honda factory tool and a generic back up like an Autel Ds708

 

[padronanniversary]

my only concern buying used with snap on is what if there is a lien or stolen ? Is there anyway to confirm ? I would hate to go get an update to find out there is money owed on it from the previous owner and having to deal with that.

 

[Skin]

Someone can come in here and correct me if i'm wrong but Snap-On doesn't use product serial numbers to track billing history/amounts.

You could always look for a unit with the original bill of sale as well. For 2-3 grand i'd actually kind of expect it more often than not.

 

[FiendFX]

Snap on Solus Ultra. $4k or less

 

[Subyroo651]

I know he's just working on Asian builds. But still which is a better buy?


Solus Ultra (European coverage extra ~$1K)

or

New Autel DS708 (Europe included) $1,350




..

 

[Bryanthegreat]

Updates run between 5-600 dollars per year. At my shop apparently we missed the last update and had to buy 2. That may make a used unit that isn't current a little pricey if you want to make it current.

 

[Skin]

Updates run between 5-600 dollars per year. At my shop apparently we missed the last update and had to buy 2. That may make a used unit that isn't current a little pricey if you want to make it current.

If this is a Snap-On unit it sounds like your truck dealer ripped you off. The updates are a flat fee, doesn't matter when it was last done, you get the most recent and that includes all prior updated information you may of skipped or missed.

 

[Bryanthegreat]

If this is a Snap-On unit it sounds like your truck dealer ripped you off. The updates are a flat fee, doesn't matter when it was last done, you get the most recent and that includes all prior updated information you may of skipped or missed.

With my dealer it wouldn't suprise me. I will look into it thanks

 

[bobcatdan]

OTC based scanners can not skip updates, main reason got rid of mine. I have a solid ultra. I like it, but is it the best thing out there, I don't know.

 

[ncautoshop]

If this is a Snap-On unit it sounds like your truck dealer ripped you off. The updates are a flat fee, doesn't matter when it was last done, you get the most recent and that includes all prior updated information you may of skipped or missed.

Isn't it more expensive if you miss one though? Not two updates but a couple hundred more?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[davesnothere]

The solus ultra is a nice piece of equipment.

 

[Subyroo651]

I should add that Autel updates are free for the first year, then its $800 for the newest revision. I don't know if you're allowed to skip, but I think you are, at least with Autel

 

[richfinn]

I think the Honda HDS software and a VIM for 1600 dollars and then a DS708 would be good if you mostly work on that brand.

You have to subscribe and pay for the software yearly but at least you would have full coverage on your main marque.

 

[ptschram]

Isn't it more expensive if you miss one though? Not two updates but a couple hundred more?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

If you are outside of the "Loyalty Period" it will cost a little more.

Curiously enough, I'm listening to a sales meeting about the Solus Ultra right now-LOL

 

[padronanniversary]

Fill me in . That's the one I'm really thinking about

 

[wafrederick]

OTC scan tools,Bosch now owns buying OTC from SPX.The new OTC scan tools say OTC Bosch on them.Don't buy the Bosch scan tool,Bosch does not stand behind their scan tools and automotive equipment.Basically it is yours after purchasing it with zero tech support.Reps for Bosch,Bosch can't keep them since the reps quit.

 

[vssjim]

Autel MaxiDas is a very good tool, over all very happy with mine

 

[ptschram]

Fill me in . That's the one I'm really thinking about

What do you want to know?

Fastest boot time on the market.

Best support on the market-the guy who sold it to you comes by every stinking week.

On-line tutorials, in-person training seminars.

Real updates every six months.

More financing options than any other supplier on the market.

Support, support, support.

I have several Solus Ultras on my route and will have another one next Tuesday

Snap-On's scanners might not do everything, but they do more than any other non-OE scanner/single marque on the market.

 

[Nanashi]

What do you want to know?

Fastest boot time on the market.

Best support on the market-the guy who sold it to you comes by every stinking week.

On-line tutorials, in-person training seminars.

Real updates every six months.

More financing options than any other supplier on the market.

Support, support, support.

I have several Solus Ultras on my route and will have another one next Tuesday

Snap-On's scanners might not do everything, but they do more than any other non-OE scanner/single marque on the market.

And they do it with less errors causing less down time. I borrowed a maximus to test to possibly replace the slow modis in the shop and I wasted so much time dealing with errors and or commands that didnt even apply to the car I was working on. The maximus has a tone of options but it seems to load up every option it has regardless if that option works for the vehicle your working on. It was a pain in the ****.

 

[98sierra]

I personally have the solus ultra and it is awesome. The shop owner has a modis and I think they are junk, yes you can run scopes but its sloooooow. A buddy bought the new maxidas 780 and it looked really cool. And updates were free and a lot cheaper than my ultra

 

[98sierra]

AutoEnginuity software and a laptop.

Their Proline bundle is great.

First I've heard of this. Looked at it online and it looks awesome. Does it do it all? Any need for more equipment? Being on a computer, how long does it take to get setup and in the car?

 

[ptschram]

I personally have the solus ultra and it is awesome. The shop owner has a modis and I think they are junk, yes you can run scopes but its sloooooow. A buddy bought the new maxidas 780 and it looked really cool. And updates were free and a lot cheaper than my ultra

The Verus is a hot rod compared to the Modis. The Modis does a fine job, but the Verus (and the Verdict for the matter) are much faster and put more of your tools in one unit so that more than one parameter or test method can be employed in one device with one upgrade.

I'm not sure that I personally don't prefer the Verdict due to the multiple wireless functions. While the Verdict may be limited to two wireless graphing voltmeter or scope channels, I'm not sure how often "I'd" have a need to monitor more than one channel at a time.

Subyroo-check with your local Snap-On dealer. There are often promotions where one can maximize their value. As these are sometimes regional, I hesitate to even suggest what might be available, also, individual dealers are sometimes able to offer different promotions depending upon a number of situations.

 

[wafrederick]

The Modis is not going to be made anymore.These PC based Snap On scan tools,shut them off properly and remove the battery when not in use.

 

[joe (pa)]

Have a solid ultra, love it. Also have a autel ds708. For 1200 on amazon it can't be beat. The solus doors every thing it says it does, very solid scanner for an aftermarket. The autel fills in the blanks very good especially on euro. Had a Saab in today, it could communicate with every module in the car. Is made in China, kinda buggy but saved me multiple times.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[Subyroo651]

Subyroo-check with your local Snap-On dealer. There are often promotions where one can maximize their value. As these are sometimes regional, I hesitate to even suggest what might be available, also, individual dealers are sometimes able to offer different promotions depending upon a number of situations.

You're exactly right, I checked with my SO guy today about updates.

I just got a 12.4 Solus Ultra and I'll be getting 13.2 next week(for $550) since they finally added detailed Subaru support.

The bonus is that 13.4 is due out Oct 1st and that will be free as part of a promotion

Is that going rate for an update? I was under the impression it was $1k no matter what..


..

 

[Subyroo651]

I know 13.2 is still pretty new but has anyone heard of 13.4 additions?

 

[padronanniversary]

So its 1k per update ? Damn. I hope then updates cover alot

 

[ptschram]

So its 1k per update ? Damn. I hope then updates cover alot

The update are about 60% added coverage filling in gaps for vehicles that were previously in the database, as well as newer vehicles. It is estimated that up to 80% of the problems shops have with scanners is due to lack of regular updating.

Regularly updating your Snap-On scanner means you have the most up-to-date info and any glitches that were uncovered that were patched are also addressed.

 

[t100]

my only concern buying used with snap on is what if there is a lien or stolen ? Is there anyway to confirm ? I would hate to go get an update to find out there is money owed on it from the previous owner and having to deal with that.

the answer is "kinda".

I went through this couple years ago, I called SO customer service, and they don't track if the particular unit. what they did was to located the original dealer who sold it. then to call me back on if it had been paid off. it took them couple days but all went well.