hi guys new to the forum saw some good info on a few tool reviews, and now im here. anyways i plan on purchasing a scan tool im between snap on ethos plus or OTC encore. i work at a dealer so we are provided factory tools so this scan tool wont be used everyday this would be for the occasional non chrysler brand vehicle that comes in but mostly for personal and side work use so i could care less for using this at work. my budget is around 1500 maybe 2000 tops but what do you guys think of both? or is there another for similar price scan tool you believe is better? also im looking for something low maintenance like i heard before updates for snap on are costly. i plan on mostly working with older vehicles probably 1996 to maybe 2007 tops nothing extremely new. any info is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.
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snap on ethos plus vs OTC encore
- Thread starter Dave_93
- Start date
The ethos is overpriced for what little it does.
Never used the OTC
Sorry for wasting ur time
thanks for the info every bit helps. thats a really awesome pic of 6.4 powerstroke you got there
If you're going to go Snap-On you want a Solus at a minimum since that's the first unit with the features that you really need to work on anything modern.
Solus has bi-directional functionality, Ethos does not.
Solus has onboard tests, Ethos does not
Solus has a highly useful troubleshooter, Ethos does not.
Both have the same Asian/Domestic coverage when it comes to data but without system tests/bi-directional functionality you're severely crippling yourself.
Updates are costly. For starters Euro is something like an $800 add-on to any of their scan tools. As far as yearly updates you could probably avoid them for awhile and be no worse for wear given what you said you'd be working on.
You can probably pick up a nice used Solus Pro kit for 1k especially since Snap-On just released platform updates to all the units (over the last 2-3 years anyway), primarily to eliminate the personality keys and add touch screen.
Solus has bi-directional functionality, Ethos does not.
Solus has onboard tests, Ethos does not
Solus has a highly useful troubleshooter, Ethos does not.
Both have the same Asian/Domestic coverage when it comes to data but without system tests/bi-directional functionality you're severely crippling yourself.
Updates are costly. For starters Euro is something like an $800 add-on to any of their scan tools. As far as yearly updates you could probably avoid them for awhile and be no worse for wear given what you said you'd be working on.
You can probably pick up a nice used Solus Pro kit for 1k especially since Snap-On just released platform updates to all the units (over the last 2-3 years anyway), primarily to eliminate the personality keys and add touch screen.
Last edited:
quasijr
Member
I agree a used Solus or a Modis is the way to go. A Modis which is a lab scope too can be had with the Dom/Asian & Euro for $1500 Can so probably cheaper in States. Updates are around $900 & 1/2 price next time you get it. I use to update every 2nd year when I owned my own shop. The scanner will help you when WiTech goes down cause it seems to be down a lot here in Canada.
As for OTC I have no use for them I owned 22 of them & the support ***** they want you to upgrade your whole scanner & buy a new one every 3-4 years. the Snap-on scanners seem to be better & last longer.
As for OTC I have no use for them I owned 22 of them & the support ***** they want you to upgrade your whole scanner & buy a new one every 3-4 years. the Snap-on scanners seem to be better & last longer.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
When you compare scan tools, check out the prices for updates. getting the tool and keeping it current are almost as expensive.
The Autel maxidas and maxisys seem to be very popular with the aftermarket.
The Autel maxidas and maxisys seem to be very popular with the aftermarket.
We just got the encore at our shop. Havent used it too much but it has worked well with a few simple things. At my old shop we had the old otc and the new encore is a much better unit with more functions. Im at an independent shop so no dealer scan tool.
FYI all of Snap-Ons scanners from the Solus level on up are the ssame when it comes to the actual ScanTool portion. They all have the same tests, bi-directional ability etc... The difference is some can be integrated with ShopKey, larger troubleshooter database, wireless access, and a scope integrated.
Recently upgraded to a new Verus with its own cart, LCD monitor etc... and all the features are the same as our Solus Pro and Solus Ultra, except our new scanner has a scope built in (whoopdie effin doo) and is wireless. Going to try to return the over priced piece of equipment.
Recently upgraded to a new Verus with its own cart, LCD monitor etc... and all the features are the same as our Solus Pro and Solus Ultra, except our new scanner has a scope built in (whoopdie effin doo) and is wireless. Going to try to return the over priced piece of equipment.
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
I have the OTC genesis spx. I am updated to 2009. I think it's a good scanner. Granted I am not in a shop and it doesn't see that much use except a few newer cars I get from time to time. My first 2 upgrades were free and the last one to get to 2009 was $135. It does most of the diagnostics I need it to do. I mainly need it to read the codes and reset them. Again my use is limited, but I like it. I will have it back tomm from my buddy and can show what the set came with. My dad bought 2 of them back when we had the Arco/Sunoco station. I am sure the snap on ones are better and more advanced.
thank you all for the great info. for sure the snap on ethos is out. i seen some used snap on solus ultra at not too bad of a price what are things to look for when purchasing a used scan tool. (sorry for all these noobie questions but first time scan tool purchase)