Retired Tech Looking For a Good Scanner for under 3k

[samdog1954]

Looking to buy a new scan tool for my home shop. Retired awhile ago, but still take care of a few old customers, family, friends and neighbors. Sold my Snap-on Solas Pro, which could no longer be updated. Mostly worked with Snap-on or factory tools, so not familiar with the China brands and others. I'd like to keep it under 3k, any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[pbon]

Launch x431 Pro V or similar model with the programming piece if you need to
Program

Autel MS908 or MS909

Beware the annual subscription fees you must pay to keep all features — they are not just for updating. I think this is because these newer tools are partially cloud based — you are connecting to the manufacturer server online to use some features.

 

[dnschmidt]

Ivan of Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics is about as good as it gets and he uses the Thinktool PROS. Make sure to get the PROS and not the PRO. This can be had for about $1000 and you get two years of free updates. Look at any recent Ivan video as he provides a discount code worth a hundred or so dollars off the normal Amazon price.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

A used Modis or similar would be my choice. 2 channel scope, so you get guided.component test as basic service info. Youre familiar with the software and how it works.

If you need current coverage and plan to update, snap on is out. Usually you can get a fairly current modis for 2k locally. You might get a Triton D8, not d10, for 2500ish on ebay. You can go sub 2500 if you'll accept not current software.

 

[f121]

How current do you need to go? Solus/Modis Ultra goes up to 22.4, Solus/Modis Legend is still being updated. Obviously SO updates are crazy expensive, so I bought mine with as recent software as I could get and will replace with one running newer software when it becomes an issue. Buy a modis if you need a scope and Solus if not.

 

[qqzj]

You are retired working on a few leftover old customers. Why do you need so expensive scanners? What couldn't a $400 Autel MK808S won't do for you?

 

[zmotorsports]

I still love my Snap-on Modis Ultra and does a vast majority of repairs that come through my shop's door. However, I recently picked up an Autel MS906Pro to compliment it and have been pleased with its performance so far.

 

[rancherbill]

Your an old school tech what about one of the Old-School diagnostic tools. I have one, it works well and there is no yearly update subscription.

 

[pbon]

And if you put the probe in the wrong socket in the OBD2 port, the rubber tubing provides insulation so you won’t shock your ears.

 

[qqzj]

I still love my Snap-on Modis Ultra and does a vast majority of repairs that come through my shop's door. However, I recently picked up an Autel MS906Pro to compliment it and have been pleased with its performance so far.

How does the MS906Pro complement the Modis? Just curious.

 

[zmotorsports]

How does the MS906Pro complement the Modis? Just curious.

The biggest reason I researched other options to compliment my Modis is because the Modis does not have the ability to code modules to specific vehicles like the Autel does. I had to replace a battery in a friends car recently and was not able to program the new battery to the car with my Modis Ultra. Also having the ability to program TPMS sensors will be a welcomed option. I have not needed the TPMS function until recently and the Autel MS906Pro TS will now allow me to program TPMS sensors.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

How does the MS906Pro complement the Modis? Just curious.

I have a 906 base model, and a zeus. And the topdon Phoenix lite,but you didn't ask. All the 906 capability is roughly the same as far as scanner function,same with all the snap on tools. A zeus and a solus can do the same tests.

The autel is a choppier and inherently less reliable tool. Flip side is it has more capability when the tool works properly. The snap ons shine with pre2010 or so domestics.

The autel will fail to actuate the secondary air pump on the toyota tundra consistantly. The snap on will also fail,but tell you that you need a 30second key cycle to allow the test to be rerun. Autel has you guessing, snap on doesn't. But the autel has the 2012 equinox secondary air motor controls,snap on doesn't.

The snap on graphs better. The autel is significantly better in displaying mode6 data. It's my choice for generic obd2.

 

[samdog1954]

You are retired working on a few leftover old customers. Why do you need so expensive scanners? What couldn't a $400 Autel MK808S won't do for you?

Because I work.on everything!

 

[rooster59]

I was hoping you lived in my neighborhood, rats, you're 800 miles away.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Because I work.on everything!

If you can live with very limited bidirectional it might be the best value.

 

[428PI]

I'm a retired tech and get by with a 10 dollar blue tooth adapter.

 

[rockettauto]

I have a 906 base model, and a zeus. And the topdon Phoenix lite,but you didn't ask. All the 906 capability is roughly the same as far as scanner function,same with all the snap on tools. A zeus and a solus can do the same tests.

The autel is a choppier and inherently less reliable tool. Flip side is it has more capability when the tool works properly. The snap ons shine with pre2010 or so domestics.

The autel will fail to actuate the secondary air pump on the toyota tundra consistantly. The snap on will also fail,but tell you that you need a 30second key cycle to allow the test to be rerun. Autel has you guessing, snap on doesn't. But the autel has the 2012 equinox secondary air motor controls,snap on doesn't.

The snap on graphs better. The autel is significantly better in displaying mode6 data. It's my choice for generic obd2.

I had the opposite experience on a Tacoma.

The snap-on verus couldn't even try to access the test for the secondary air injection and for the most part ignored any data related to it. I'm not even sure it knew the module was there.

While the ms909 had no issue and gave all the warnings about how many times within whatever time period you could run the test.

I'm usually grabbing the snappy first, but anything it cant do it seems the autel can.

I should probably reverse my habit and see if I resort to the verus just as often.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I had the opposite experience on a Tacoma.

The snap-on verus couldn't even try to access the test for the secondary air injection and for the most part ignored any data related to it. I'm not even sure it knew the module was there.

While the ms909 had no issue and gave all the warnings about how many times within whatever time period you could run the test.

I'm usually grabbing the snappy first, but anything it cant do it seems the autel can.

I should probably reverse my habit and see if I resort to the verus just as often.

I've become sucked into grabbing my zeus first for most things. Screen is large, basic scope included, 16 pid graphing, etc. I have a current subscription so it shows me tsbs and their little "suretrack" blurb which is some scrub describing how they fixed a completely broken part related to this code. Their pdf view system scan is my preference. Guided component test is obviously awesome.

It's an inferior tool in a lot of ways. The bluetooth dongle takes forever to connect. Forever. It simply pretends some things don't exist as you mentioned. Mine is a gen1 windows 7 version, so it can be slow to get moving.


Im using the autel much less now as it is my only tool left with a cord. Only the topdon is canfd capable, well I got the cord adapter for the autel, but ewww cord. Generally I diagnose with the zeus, do service functions like EPB and resets with the topdon. I like the smaller form factor of the topdon if I'm carrying it around the shop babysitting data while I'm working on something else.

 

[tak1313]

I have an older Autel (DS808) that so far has done everything I need as far as bidirectional, but I'm DIY. I don't mind the wire since I really don't use it that much.

I couple of years ago, I was debating about trying a Launch, since update renewals are like ink jet printer cartridges - with how much they charge, you might as well get a new one.

To "test the waters," I got a lower tiered Launch (CRP129e). It couldn't even identify my wife's Prius. Even trying to manually drill down through the menu, it just couldn't communicate at all. Launch was no help, saying that it should be able to communicate with the Prius, and someone else asking on Amazon asked and was told "yes." I tried it on another Prius, and same thing - no comm., if it's a faulty unit, by the time I tried it on another Prius to confirm, it was past the return date. I then stumbled across another person asking the question on Amazon and the response (at the time), as that it could NOT communicate with HYBRIDS (?!?!).

That soured me on Launch since the CRP was $200ish and not like a low tier model, so if their upper 'consumer' model couldn't even communicate with hyrbrids, what can their pro/semipro models NOT do?

 

[qqzj]

I have an older Autel (DS808) that so far has done everything I need as far as bidirectional, but I'm DIY. I don't mind the wire since I really don't use it that much.

I couple of years ago, I was debating about trying a Launch, since update renewals are like ink jet printer cartridges - with how much they charge, you might as well get a new one.

To "test the waters," I got a lower tiered Launch (CRP129e). It couldn't even identify my wife's Prius. Even trying to manually drill down through the menu, it just couldn't communicate at all. Launch was no help, saying that it should be able to communicate with the Prius, and someone else asking on Amazon asked and was told "yes." I tried it on another Prius, and same thing - no comm., if it's a faulty unit, by the time I tried it on another Prius to confirm, it was past the return date. I then stumbled across another person asking the question on Amazon and the response (at the time), as that it could NOT communicate with HYBRIDS (?!?!).

That soured me on Launch since the CRP was $200ish and not like a low tier model, so if their upper 'consumer' model couldn't even communicate with hyrbrids, what can their pro/semipro models NOT do?

I am surprised that your DS808 can do bidirectional. According to Autel, its MK808S is the first below 906 that can do bidirectional. Maybe they are being creative in descriptions?

 

[rockettauto]

I've become sucked into grabbing my zeus first for most things. Screen is large, basic scope included, 16 pid graphing, etc. I have a current subscription so it shows me tsbs and their little "suretrack" blurb which is some scrub describing how they fixed a completely broken part related to this code. Their pdf view system scan is my preference. Guided component test is obviously awesome.

It's an inferior tool in a lot of ways. The bluetooth dongle takes forever to connect. Forever. It simply pretends some things don't exist as you mentioned. Mine is a gen1 windows 7 version, so it can be slow to get moving.


Im using the autel much less now as it is my only tool left with a cord. Only the topdon is canfd capable, well I got the cord adapter for the autel, but ewww cord. Generally I diagnose with the zeus, do service functions like EPB and resets with the topdon. I like the smaller form factor of the topdon if I'm carrying it around the shop babysitting data while I'm working on something else.

Your 906 I'm guessing was fairly early too. I think you'd have to go out of your way a bit to shop for a 906 that isn't a 906bt or pro now. Although those dongles don't seem as robust as the one that came with the 909?

That slow start has plagued snap ons tools as long as I can remember. The Solus and MODIS were horrible for that.

I actually dislike the scope on the verus edge. I don't think it's because anything is wrong with it necessarily and it's probably kind of unique to my situation....I think coming from an electronics background as far as the use of scopes go the ones designed for automotive techs seem a bit "ez bake oven" ish to me even if there are some convenient features. I guess it's just kind of having to follow their guidance feels off so does the placement in the software for some adjustments. The disparity isn't as big as that hyperbole makes it sound....maybe I just feel more confident in what I'm looking at if I've done it the hard way. This is probably something that actually makes them superior for most auto techs but I just find it annoying so I end up using a totally separate scope most of the time.

All in all if I had to make a recommendation that fits OPs requirements I'd say he couldn't go wrong with the 909 but there may well be a better option out there that's come out In the last few years so I'm not going out on a limb to say it would be the best possible choice.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Your 906 I'm guessing was fairly early too. I think you'd have to go out of your way a bit to shop for a 906 that isn't a 906bt or pro now. Although those dongles don't seem as robust as the one that came with the 909?

That slow start has plagued snap ons tools as long as I can remember. The Solus and MODIS were horrible for that.

I actually dislike the scope on the verus edge. I don't think it's because anything is wrong with it necessarily and it's probably kind of unique to my situation....I think coming from an electronics background as far as the use of scopes go the ones designed for automotive techs seem a bit "ez bake oven" ish to me even if there are some convenient features. I guess it's just kind of having to follow their guidance feels off so does the placement in the software for some adjustments. The disparity isn't as big as that hyperbole makes it sound....maybe I just feel more confident in what I'm looking at if I've done it the hard way. This is probably something that actually makes them superior for most auto techs but I just find it annoying so I end up using a totally separate scope most of the time.

All in all if I had to make a recommendation that fits OPs requirements I'd say he couldn't go wrong with the 909 but there may well be a better option out there that's come out In the last few years so I'm not going out on a limb to say it would be the best possible choice.

The snap on scope is definitely primitive. Anything complex at all, I want my Picoscope. But it's nice to jump into guided component test and get pin position or a chart of voltage/temp on a transmission temp sensor. Like you said, I don't like the premade setting in the component tester, so I just back up and open the regular scope most of the time.

I can still use the snap on scope for basic stuff, and it works well for that. Usually if I'm test driving down the road with leads running into the engine bay, I have the pico. But I do use the snap on for that sometimes.

 

[rockettauto]

The snap on scope is definitely primitive. Anything complex at all, I want my Picoscope. But it's nice to jump into guided component test and get pin position or a chart of voltage/temp on a transmission temp sensor. Like you said, I don't like the premade setting in the component tester, so I just back up and open the regular scope most of the time.

I can still use the snap on scope for basic stuff, and it works well for that. Usually if I'm test driving down the road with leads running into the engine bay, I have the pico. But I do use the snap on for that sometimes.

You said it better than I could. I was having a hard time articulating there but yeah, same page for sure.

 

[tak1313]

I am surprised that your DS808 can do bidirectional. According to Autel, its MK808S is the first below 906 that can do bidirectional. Maybe they are being creative in descriptions?

The DS808 is fairly old at this point - long before the MK series. It's probably true (about the MK) because they don't make/sell the DS anymore - likely the replacement model.

I can still purchase update subscriptions for the DS. In fact, I gave in last year (2022) and purchased a 1 year update after finding how much the Launch s*cked. I don't have any NEW new cars to worry about - my daughter's 2016 Civic is the newest, but I hadn't updated it for 5 years at that point, so just spent the $$$ since they were discounted - I don't remember by how much, but I think it was half off (or at least 25% off).

For my DIY use, I haven't come across anything it can't do yet, including changing TPMS ids through OBD (Toyota), though I know being Android based, it cannot do ECU programming (like if you want to install a new/used ECU).

Edit: By the time I get the itch to update again, it will be enough time to see the usefulness/longevity/reliability is for the newer brands like XTool, Topdon, etc.

 

[BrandonV]

I am surprised that your DS808 can do bidirectional. According to Autel, its MK808S is the first below 906 that can do bidirectional. Maybe they are being creative in descriptions?

I just bought a MX808. The 808 line apparently got updates a few years back to give it lite bi-directional capability.

Vehicle Coverage | AUTEL

autel.com

 

[oldschoolcraft]

My car is mid 00s. I think I can do all of my scanning with a $10 OBD2 sensor. What year did cars really start requiring $3k scanners to diagnose and fix?

Or does my mid-00 car also require a scanner, and I’m just ignorant of their usage?

 

[tak1313]

My car is mid 00s. I think I can do all of my scanning with a $10 OBD2 sensor. What year did cars really start requiring $3k scanners to diagnose and fix?

Or does my mid-00 car also require a scanner, and I’m just ignorant of their usage?

These days you can get pretty good readers that can scan for everything. Older/cheaper readers usually only scan engine codes. The newer/better ones scan engine, abs, srs, and transmission.

They can usually reset most (but not necessarily) all codes/code types.

The better ones ($100 to $200+) even have minimal bi-directional capability, like automated brake bleeding, battery reset, etc.

Depending on how deep of a dive you do with your car, that may be all that you need.

Full bi-directional capability allows you to test/control stuff like relays, actuators, etc. (like for testing evap systems) For most DIYers, you don't need to spend $3k on the big boy scanners, almost everybody makes a "mid-tier" scanner like the Autel MK, Launch, Topdon, etc. that runs in the neighborhood of $650ish - $800ish.

I think most can get by with the upper-end diy models that does some (but not all/a lot) of bi directional functions so you can do an abs bleed if needed, etc. If you maintain your car well and it's generally reliable, the likelihood of having to go mid-tier is fairly low.

When I got my DS808, it was more because I like toys (this is a forum about tools, after all). As far as ADVANCED bi-directional uses, the only thing I've ever needed more advanced functioning for was when my daughters Nissan was throwing an evap code, so I could shut the valve down and smoke it. Yes, I got myself an OTC smoke machine as well, just for that. It was used, and the only time I've used it so far. Also, if you considered entering TPMS ids via OBD an advanced function, but I THINK there are cheaper models that can even do that these days.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

My car is mid 00s. I think I can do all of my scanning with a $10 OBD2 sensor. What year did cars really start requiring $3k scanners to diagnose and fix?

Or does my mid-00 car also require a scanner, and I’m just ignorant of their usage?

Depends on brand. Most of the time a 2005ish car can get by with minimal scan tool.

Battery registration, coding a window switch, bidirectional control for the vacuum pump, data a code reader couldn't dream of. How do you diag the secondary air injection? Or cycle evap valves, or graph cam timing deviation, or command on the electric water pump? And that's just for the PCM, not the 20 other modules.

It's all about usage. As time goes on you gain from the bigger screens, batteries, more space to save scans and data, etc.

 

[Wrench97]

Autel MS 908S Pro 2 gets my vote buddy just bought one, faster then my older 908 just under $2g

 

[qqzj]

Autel MS 908S Pro 2 gets my vote buddy just bought one, faster then my older 908 just under $2g

Where did you get it? Thanks!

 

[Wrench97]

Where did you get it? Thanks!

He bought it off Amazon > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0894F6H61/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Toyo72]

I've seen some good reviews of the Otofix D1 Pro, which runs about $1k and is an "Autel-powered" product (906 Pro iirc) for ~40% lower price.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B45BHMXP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JOE.G]

IS the Autel MaxiPRO MP808 Worth Getting? I usually borrow my buddies Snap On scanner if the ones I have here can't do what I need. I am assuming I can skip the Updates in till I get a car that is newer then the last update? The Updates at that time would install all the previous updates as well?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XN7NUG/?tag=atomicindus08-20