Snap On Modis or Mac Mentor?

[sdguy55]

Ok guys as the title states our shop is going to be buying us a scanner. Lets assume budget is not an issue. Reason for chosing the Modis is because the guy that is primarily going to be using it wont be going really deep into repairs but i felt that the Modis has enough 'scope' screens to do the majority of the repairs that will be within our capability's. One thing i need to point out. WE ARE NOT A DEALERSHIP this is for a construction company that has a fleet of about 70 pickups. So if the repair is to complicated we will be sending it somewhere else. Both i have seen are bi-directional and i have heard that this is very nice to have for diagnostic's reasons. Ok so!
1) Pro's of each?
2) Con's of each?
3) User friendly?
I cant seem to pull up a page of either so hopefully you guys can fill in

 

[ricleh]

I believe the Modis has been discontinued by Snapon. You probably won't be able to get a new one, although there are used ones for sale. I believe the Verus replaced the Modis in the Snapon diagnostic line.

 

[joebiodiesel]

I know you didn't mention a Snap-on Solus Pro or Solus Ultra, but maybe they would e a better choice for you. If you're not heavy into diagnostics, you probably won't get much value out of the lab scope in the Modis. Updates for them are half the price of a Modis update as well. This could save a few bucks over the years.
Sorry to not answer your question though...

Joe

 

[bobcatdan]

I have a solus ultra and am very happy with it. I use mine for a side business my buddy and myself run. The mentor is made by OTC so if this the the one you go with, shop around and I'm sure you can find a better deal then mac. The mentor has been around forever, going back to the late '90's. I'm sure it has had many system updates, but wonder how long the platform is going to be around. Also, I had the smaller mac taskmaster before. It was a great little scanner and at $1000 is a great deal. I didn't update one time just because I wasn't gettting anything that new. Well a couple years later, I wanted to update. You can't skip upates, I would have to buy three updates to get current, well north of $800. From what I was told when buying my SO, I can skip updates and only buy the newest when I choose to to.

 

[wafrederick]

The Modis is slow at start up since it is PC based.With the Modis,shut it off properly and remove the battery when not in use.The lab scope ***** on the Modis,I was in a brake class at a tech expo and that is what some said that used the lab scope in the modis.For a scope,the pico scope is better.Mac's scan tools are made by OTC now owned by Bosch.Bosch bought out OTC's owner SPX this year.Anything made OTC,obsolete after a few years.

 

[Stick]

Lets assume budget is not an issue. Reason for chosing the Modis is because the guy that is primarily going to be using it wont be going really deep into repairs but i felt that the Modis has enough 'scope' screens to do the majority of the repairs that will be within our capability's.

Be honest, if the guy who uses it the most isn't going to be "going really deep into repairs", do you really need the capability of a labscope?

One thing i need to point out. WE ARE NOT A DEALERSHIP this is for a construction company that has a fleet of about 70 pickups. So if the repair is to complicated we will be sending it somewhere else.

Just FYI, OE scan tools aren't just for dealerships. Plenty of Indy/fleet shops that use them as well. Especially considering you're doing fleet work, I'd be looking much closer at OE tooling and scanners and avoiding aftermarket solutions. OE scan tools aren't outrageously priced either, a loaded OTC Genisys is ~$4k which is about what a genuine GM Tech2 or Ford IDS will run you. For the $8k a loaded Modis/Verus runs you could have both factory tools...

Both i have seen are bi-directional and i have heard that this is very nice to have for diagnostic's reasons. Ok so! D
1) Pro's of each?
2) Con's of each?
3) User friendly?

Without getting into it too much, if you're going to go aftermarket, the snap-on product is a better choice (Modis/Solus/Verus/etc). OTC solutions are pretty half assed for what they claim to be, though they aren't unusable. If you really want more info just ask, but if your fleet is only a couple of makes/models I'd be giving serious consideration to OE solutions.

The lab scope ***** on the Modis,I was in a brake class at a tech expo and that is what some said that used the lab scope in the modis.For a scope,the pico scope is better.

I really wish you wouldn't talk out of your ***. The two are apples and oranges. One is a handheld scan tool/scope, and the other is a dedicated computer based scope. Both do the job just fine in capable hands. Either one is worlds better than the abomination offered as an add-on to the OTC scanner.

 

[sdguy55]

Be honest, if the guy who uses it the most isn't going to be "going really deep into repairs", do you really need the capability of a labscope?


Just FYI, OE scan tools aren't just for dealerships. Plenty of Indy/fleet shops that use them as well. Especially considering you're doing fleet work, I'd be looking much closer at OE tooling and scanners and avoiding aftermarket solutions. OE scan tools aren't outrageously priced either, a loaded OTC Genisys is ~$4k which is about what a genuine GM Tech2 or Ford IDS will run you. For the $8k a loaded Modis/Verus runs you could have both factory tools...


Without getting into it too much, if you're going to go aftermarket, the snap-on product is a better choice (Modis/Solus/Verus/etc). OTC solutions are pretty half assed for what they claim to be, though they aren't unusable. If you really want more info just ask, but if your fleet is only a couple of makes/models I'd be giving serious consideration to OE solutions.


I really wish you wouldn't talk out of your ***. The two are apples and oranges. One is a handheld scan tool/scope, and the other is a dedicated computer based scope. Both do the job just fine in capable hands. Either one is worlds better than the abomination offered as an add-on to the OTC scanner.

You know i didnt think to mention that the fleet we have is ALL chevy. Not even gmc. And will be for quite the foreseeable future. But can you get OE tooling if you arent a
dealership? They are completley open on what to get but ill be homest we're goin into this very blind. Only reason i thought SO or Mac was because thats what you see all the techs have. I dont amd wont personally be running this and i dont work on automotive stuff. So what this guy needs i dont really know. But i do know that there is plenty of auto techs on here to give me an idea of what he is gonna need. Also our flert ranges from early 1980's to brand new pickups. And we will be getting newer ones pretty consistently. This scanner will be geared more towards the new stuff. He has an older scanner that will cover up to (07?) I think.

 

[joedodge]

I work for a fleet of 70 Ford and gm vehicles we have tech 2 and ids wouldn't have it any other way get the right stuff like stick said. But if your not really gonna do repairs why bother honestly.

 

[joedodge]

Just get the tech 2 youl be much happier get a gm fleet account and it updates through the internet monthly or so.

 

[Stick]

You know i didnt think to mention that the fleet we have is ALL chevy. Not even gmc. And will be for quite the foreseeable future. But can you get OE tooling if you arent a
dealership? They are completley open on what to get but ill be homest we're goin into this very blind. Only reason i thought SO or Mac was because thats what you see all the techs have. I dont amd wont personally be running this and i dont work on automotive stuff. So what this guy needs i dont really know. But i do know that there is plenty of auto techs on here to give me an idea of what he is gonna need. Also our flert ranges from early 1980's to brand new pickups. And we will be getting newer ones pretty consistently. This scanner will be geared more towards the new stuff. He has an older scanner that will cover up to (07?) I think.

If that's the case, I wouldn't hesitate to get a Tech2 with the CANdi module. That should cover you from '96 to current model year, and run you right around $4k or so. You can get them through your local dealer (check with service if parts is clueless). If the local dealer is unwilling to help you, both NAPA and Car quest can source them as well, just call your commercial sales rep.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I have a Modis with Euro and heavy duty and it is a nice scan tool. Despite what some on here have heard from their second cousin twice removed, housekeepers oldest's son's, girlfriends, dad, it has a NICE 4 channel scope. They are expensive to upkeep but work very well if you have the need to work on a varity of vehicles. With your entire fleet being Chevy however, all you should need is a roll of duct tape, a big hammer and some bailing wire. Anything more than that, just scrap them.....




Just kidding...Buy a factory Tech 2 and run with it.

 

[joedodge]

Also make sure you set up an account on gm fleet so you can get si and tis for service manuals and module programing and tool updates. The tech 2 is good stuff and easy to use if you have some scanner and diag expierence.

 

[sdguy55]

wow lots of great info here guys thanks alot. Just so were clear the guy will be doing a vast majority of our repairs if i had to pick a scenario where he wouldnt work on it i would say it would be something monstrously electrically complicated. Im not talking something that would require a little MM action for a couple hours he can handle that fine. I guess i cant really give an exact scenario because im not an auto tech as i said earlier but im sure you guys know what im getting at.
So whats the tech2 a clear winner above these other two? Is it because it is OE supplied and you get updates on the latest TSB's(? I think they're called that)

 

[joedodge]

Ir tool will do the most for the vehicles you have tsb and updates and service manuals will be on gmfleet account . I do it all at our fleet shop electrical diag module reflash and replacement we only use the dealer when absolutly necisary for overflow work or warranty but still I do a lot of work warranty and just get the part warrantied. No reason why you can't get your guys some delco factory training and online wbt classes

 

[Seanbev24]

The lab scope ***** on the Modis,I was in a brake class at a tech expo and that is what some said that used the lab scope in the modis.For a scope,the pico scope is better.Mac's scan tools are made by OTC now owned by Bosch.Bosch bought out OTC's owner SPX this year.Anything made OTC,obsolete after a few years.

Wow. You never stop with this stupid ****, do you? You HEARD the scope *****? For a lab scope that is integrated into a scanner, I've yet to see anything better than what Snap-on has to offer. Of course a Pico is a better performing scope. That's it's only job.

You know i didnt think to mention that the fleet we have is ALL chevy. Not even gmc. And will be for quite the foreseeable future.

I personally own a Modis and love it, but you need to get a Tech2. Then, IF your tech will be doing work that needs a scope, get a stand-alone unit later down the road. If for some reason you don't get a Tech2, my 2nd choice for your situation would be a Solus Ultra.

 

[joedodge]

Gm doesn't believe in scopes.

 

[joebiodiesel]

The Tech2 doesn't work on the newest GM cars, and won't work on their CAN vehicles without a Candi Module. You will need an MDI and a subscription to the GM website to work on their latest vehicles. I imagine that repair support will end on the Tech2 soon. there will be no more updates for it.
It's a great scanner, but I'd be cautious picking a new one up now.

 

[joedodge]

The Mdi is nice but atleast tech 2 is already updated 2013 and supposed to keep going according to gm

 

[John Timmins]

I went on my friend's SO truck today. He said they are selling a lot of the new model scanner. He wanted me to see a reconditoned Modis on his truck. I gather that SO is going through the old Modis and redoing the guys inside them and cosmetic too ? I don't know anything about them since I don't do that kind of work, but if I could get someting that is upgraded and is adequate, I would get it.
I guess all I'm really saying is he told me SO is reconditioning the Modis and he had one on his truck.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

The Modis is a real work horse scanner along with a great 4 channel scope. We've got one in the shop that has lived a rough life and is still kicking.

If I were only doing GM, would go with Tech 2 with can module.

 

[wafrederick]

The people said the scope ***** in the Modis,it was a brake technologies class.Said the scope side does not work right at all with unaccurate readings.The instructor said some wrong info on the Modis too,said there were no more updates for it and there still is.I seen a sample reading for an ABS wheel speed sensor for a Dodge Magnum using the Modis,could not get a good reading with the Modis.

 

[Seanbev24]

The people said the scope ***** in the Modis,it was a brake technologies class.Said the scope side does not work right at all with unaccurate readings.The instructor said some wrong info on the Modis too,said there were no more updates for it and there still is.I seen a sample reading for an ABS wheel speed sensor for a Dodge Magnum using the Modis,could not get a good reading with the Modis.

The scope on the Modis works great. There, now you can tell everyone you heard the scope on the Modis is awesome from someone on the internet.

Here is a better idea... Stop giving people misinformation on subjects that you clearly know nothing about.

 

[Stick]

The people said the scope ***** in the Modis,it was a brake technologies class.Said the scope side does not work right at all with unaccurate readings.

The only catch with the Modis is the fact that you can use it as a scan tool or a scope, but not both as the same time or you'll get.... wait for it... inaccurate readings. That's because ground on the OBD2 plug takes priority over the scope ground. It's not a big deal if you're aware of that fact and aren't trying to scan/scope at the same time.

I seen a sample reading for an ABS wheel speed sensor for a Dodge Magnum using the Modis,could not get a good reading with the Modis.

Again, that's more than likely a setup issue and not the fault of the scope itself. Plenty of people, myself included, are capable of using them without problems.

 

[Fedwrench]

For a fleet of GM pick ups, your best bet would be a Tech 2 with a candi module. Any aftermarket scan tool will be a compromise at best compared to the tech 2 regardless of whose name is on it.

Rumors of the tech 2's demise are premature. Yes, the new global platforms use a laptop with the MDI and GDS subscription but, those are limited to a few high end cars and no trucks.

When buying the Tech 2, resist temptation to buy a Chinese clone off of Ebay and buy a real one from a reputable dealer.

lastly, remember that any scan tool is only as good as the person pressing the buttons. You still have to be able to interpet data and understand what the control module is telling the scan tool. Good luck in your quest.

 

[wafrederick]

This instructor called a Chrysler dealership to find out why the readings were no good for the wheel speed sensor in the Dodge Magnum.Chrysler had it set in a way and the reading shouldn't of been that way.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

This instructor called a Chrysler dealership to find out why the readings were no good for the wheel speed sensor in the Dodge Magnum.Chrysler had it set in a way and the reading shouldn't of been that way.

You don't give up do you? Have you EVER had an original thought based upon your own experience with something and not something you heard third or fourth hand?

Have you read what several of us who DO own a Modis have had to say about it? For a person working on different makes of cars, a Snap-on Modis, Verus, Solus Pro or Verdict should be on their buy list if they don't already own one.

 

[scotte]

neither...

if you can only have one scanner grab a solus ultra

that being said the next thing i would consider would be a new maxidas ds708

providing oe is not in the budget

i own an independent shop and am also the main tech

i currently own (listed in order of use/ cannot live without)

1. gm/saab tech 2/candi

2. maxidas ds708

3. chrysler starmobile with witech/drb emulator

4. ford ids

5. snapon vantage pro

6. rosstech vcds (vw)

7. otc genisys

i have also owned a autoenginuity proline before (got rid of because it was slower than the genisys and thats saying something)

if your only working on a particular brand of car get the oem tool
(or in my case as a shop working on multiple lines tools

it will save you time period between poorly translated data and missing/incorrect controls and documentation

 

[pottsie454]

Modis for sure. When it works anyway. Seems like ours has been serviced more then its been in service.

 

[Toolhorder]

I wouldn't get a Modis.

Look at the Solus Ultra. It's super fast has no keys and I've had plenty of luck with mine.

 

[Tavy]

If it's not practical to get the OEM tech2/CANdi tool, I'd take a MODIS any day of the week, scope or not. For some reason I prefer the Scope on the Solus.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

If it's not practical to get the OEM tech2/CANdi tool, I'd take a MODIS any day of the week, scope or not. For some reason I prefer the Scope on the Solus.

The Solus doesn't have a scope, it's just a scanner. The Verus, Verdict and Modis have built in scanners/lab scopes. You can buy a Vantage Pro for a lab scope to use with a Solus Ultra or Solus Pro as a good setup though.

 

[Tavy]

The Solus doesn't have a scope, it's just a scanner. The Verus, Verdict and Modis have built in scanners/lab scopes. You can buy a Vantage Pro for a lab scope to use with a Solus Ultra or Solus Pro as a good setup though.

I don't like breaking out the scope, hence. The Solus is just what I own personally, most shops I've been around had a MODIS for the all-around use - even though no one had a clue what a scope was for.