I am ready to upgrade scan tools and I am thinking about the solus pro, I would like to hear some feedback from those that use one. This is just for my home garage so I don't have to take my vehicles into the shop since I hate other people working on my stuff.
Snap on solus pro
- Thread starter toolfreak
- Start date
nate379
Banned
For home use the MT2500 is a great tool. They are fairly cheap now since they are a "legacy" system.
Solus is a great aftermarket scanner but you can get some great deals on the old red brick Mt2500
I have several scan tools, Ford IDS cant beat it when working on Fords, Mazada, A tech2
Must for GM, OTC GENSIS, SOLUS PRO, VANTANGE PRO, for general work on all makes I
would vote for the Solus, If you only have one make of car your working on, you cant
beat the factory tooling.
Must for GM, OTC GENSIS, SOLUS PRO, VANTANGE PRO, for general work on all makes I
would vote for the Solus, If you only have one make of car your working on, you cant
beat the factory tooling.
Big Bad Jon
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2008
- Messages
- 719
If you are using your scan tool for home use, take jay50's advice. I had a red brick for a long time, it is still a very useful tool. If you are just doing home repairs it will be all you need. Heck other than a few functions and updates, it is probably all I "need" at work.
melsauto
New member
Hello,
I see that u r pretty good at what u do, based on the equipment u have.
I have Vetronix Master tech, the MTS 5200 Engine analyzer, The Mac Mentor,
Launch x431 3 yrs old,Ford NGS, Snap on brick. I have recently purchased PICO Scope, Ross Tec VCDS.
I am now in a situation where i have to spend at least $3000- in software updates for the existing scanners.
I am contemplating between exchanging my old launch to a newer launch with can and super-16 bluetooth for $2200 or the PC Based Autoenginuity
Pro-Line ScanTool Bundle $1199.95(UPDATES YEARLY $100).
• USB ScanTool (ST05)
• ProLine Interface (ST06)
• Enhanced Ford Expansion
• Enhanced GM (with CAN D) Expansion
• Enhanced Chrysler (Full) Expansion
• Enhanced Toyota Expansion
• Enhanced Nissan Expansion
• Enhanced Honda Expansion
• Enhanced Mazda Expansion
• Enhanced Hyundai/Kia Expansion
• Enhanced Subaru Expansion
• Enhanced Mitsubishi Expansion
• Enhanced Isuzu Expansion
What do u suggest as a tech. I would appreciate your advise.
Thanks Mel
I am getting ready to buy a Snap-On Solus Pro at a local pawn shop today. It is updated to 2008. My buddies friend works there and they gave $400 for it. He said he can let it go for $700.
I ebayed them and looks like its worth about $2000 or more.
I ebayed them and looks like its worth about $2000 or more.
GeorgiaHybrid
Well-known member
PitStop,
If you upgrade your Solus Pro to the latest version, they will more than likely charge you for the 2009 and 2010 years. Still a bargain compared to new off the truck pricing. Check with your Snappy guy as Snap-on sometimes gives a reduced price on the upgrades if you are just purchasing it or are upgrading several versions.
I like my Solus Pro but I'm not looking forward to the upgrade costs.
If you upgrade your Solus Pro to the latest version, they will more than likely charge you for the 2009 and 2010 years. Still a bargain compared to new off the truck pricing. Check with your Snappy guy as Snap-on sometimes gives a reduced price on the upgrades if you are just purchasing it or are upgrading several versions.
I like my Solus Pro but I'm not looking forward to the upgrade costs.
mrshaun
Well-known member
should be 995 to update it might even be 495. if it is 9.2version the 495 to update.
my customers like them and the support from snap on helps.
easy to use and now we have ford cylinder contribution tests for 2000-2004 models.
http://diagnostics.snapon.com for more info...
my customers like them and the support from snap on helps.
easy to use and now we have ford cylinder contribution tests for 2000-2004 models.
http://diagnostics.snapon.com for more info...
chadster1
Well-known member
You need to jump all over that deal quickly. I would buy it and get $2000 for it on my truck in less than a week.
Toolhorder
Well-known member
One thing I hate about scanners is the update costs. They really **** you on software. I bought a used OTC genisys from a retiring tech at a garage sale of all places and all it had was a OBD2 cable and card and nothing else, no charger, nothing for $40. I called my local Matco dealer and he quoted me $1200 to update it. It was on Ebay that night. If I was in a shop and needed all of that then maybe but for home use it was overkill.
Mickey O
Well-known member
Just found a Snap-On Solus Pro at the local pawn shop for only $700, I'm on my way to go pick it up now.
From Toddster I have used the solus pro for 2 years now I have the full package.Domestic Asian and Euro and I am a ASE certified tech at a very busy shop.This is a very expensive purchase for home use.More power to ya this unit is awesome. Some people complain about the personality keys some years and makes and models the keys are not even required. It does not bother me to take the time and insert a key.I also have a OTC Gynisys Evo ,a Master Tech and an Auto X-ray 6000.And I like the solus pro better.Also each scanner has its purpose so when I have a customer come in with a check engine light on or a driveability complaint or an HVAC issue I grab my solus pro.
K5blazer83
Well-known member
I've had my regular Solus for over 3 months (bought it used) and its already payed itself off with the amount of usage I've gotten out of it. I had one of those cheap Innova code tools before that and the Solus puts any of that harry homeowner stuff to shame. It flat out rocks...minus the update charges of course.
People are always asking me "can you bring that Snap-On code tool over...my (insert whatever light is on here) is on."
People are always asking me "can you bring that Snap-On code tool over...my (insert whatever light is on here) is on."
GeorgiaHybrid
Well-known member
toolfreak,
Don't feel bad, I swapped my Solus Pro for a new Modis 4 months ago and still just work on my own cars.....I enjoy the capabilities of the Modis but it is overkill in my situation. Might be the reason my wife thinks that I don't have any brains though........
Don't feel bad, I swapped my Solus Pro for a new Modis 4 months ago and still just work on my own cars.....I enjoy the capabilities of the Modis but it is overkill in my situation. Might be the reason my wife thinks that I don't have any brains though........
I am looking for a solus pro 9.4 or above. I know there are people in this board that live in depressed US states where some auto shops may have closed. If you come across one, and its a good deal "please do not buy it" I am looking for one for my mobile mechanical business.
Please email me privately.
Thanks a bunch
Please email me privately.
Thanks a bunch
moronmountain
Well-known member
I heard a rumor that Snap-on wasn't going to be doing updates for the Solus for much longer, and they were going to be coming out with something "new?" This is merely a rumor from a mechanic dude I know, so it could be totally wrong. I would at least check into it though personally.
freeskier
Well-known member
are the older red brick scanners on ebay still useable?
DiscoBerry
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2010
- Messages
- 84
I have use a solus at school and i have to say its a sweet machiene I love the bi directional controls and the troubleshooter software.
mrshaun
Well-known member
Just a rumor. we cant keep solus pro's in stock. we order 3 at a time and by the time we get them, they last a day or two and gone....
moronmountain
Well-known member
That's good to know. I would like to get one at some point, so this makes me feel better about it. =)
briggsguy17
Well-known member
Yep, but the last update was 9.2 I think.
ptschram
Well-known member
Unless it's $22,000 and only goes back to '96.
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
I would've bought a Solus Pro long ago, but the update costs kill the deal. £500/year to update is a joke.
mrshaun
Well-known member
I have a ot of guys that update everything all the time, then i have guys wait a couple of years to do an update then they just buy the keys and adapters that they need. they do like the new items they can do with the newer updates. RELEARNS are saving the shops some money.
Nissan idle air control
Nissan idle air control
I was so supprised that solus /modis or what ever snap-on scanner selling such good, for that money and update, i'd buy those factory scanners. For universal one I like lunch x431 more than others, it's cheap and have much more functions. for detail diagnose/programming I'd go factory scanner. Yes, I do have a modis 6.4 and a solus 9.2, but most time they just laid around in shop, nobody use them. they do need lots money to update. we invested tens of thousands dollars on scanners/computers, we deal with lots luxury cars/suvs daily, snap-on and bosch are most expensive and worthless.
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Toolhorder
Well-known member
I have a Snap-on Solus Ultra and it's better than launch at some things and Launch is better at other things. Overall I like the Solus better. It's certainly not worthless as you say.
blown94conv
Well-known member
So you have a Modis you last updated in late 2006 and a Solus lst updated in early 2009?
Lots has changed since then.....
If you only have this, this is everything. But if u bought a $5K tool but don't use it almost at all, it's called worthless.
The problems are about price,update and function.
1.Over priced. The whole hardwares are quite outdated all-in-one PC, yes they move to better platform, start faster, but still no better than your $500 smartphone. It's a windows CE, fading out of the market now, soon they gonna tell you we'll put some new system on market, don't wanna support yours anymore. Software, basicly they only cover asian and domestic. euro need extra $$$, and update was so slow. launch covers all in one price.
2.update, each update cost about $1k every year, still base system and only asian&domestic. euro? pay extra please.
3. function, only extra to launch/similiar is scope, really usefull? for a garage, not that much, I would use a real handheld scope if I really need it . coverage, solus/modis does not cover many module that even launch did. if you wanna just scan a 2010 MB c300 wiper control module, can solus do, no. even newest 11.4 won't do. don't mention u need replace some module in car, it's just a scanner, can not do most program, calibration, initialize or key program.
My shop current setup,
Launch Creader.
Launch X431
Launch diagun
Bosch MVCI(sold recently)
Snap-on modis 6.4
Snap-on solus 9.2
BMW GT1, diag/program
BENZ Xentry/DAS
Audi/VW, VAS5054 PC, VAG-COM, can also do bently/lamb
HONDA, HDS,GNA600
TOYOTA, TIS 6
NISSAN, CONSULT 3
FORD/MAZDA/LR/JAGUAR VCM
GM/SAAB, Tech 2
PORSCH PIWIS
VOLVO VIDA
FLUKE 98 II
may have some I missed.
10years ASE master, senior electronic engineer , IBM CATE.
The problems are about price,update and function.
1.Over priced. The whole hardwares are quite outdated all-in-one PC, yes they move to better platform, start faster, but still no better than your $500 smartphone. It's a windows CE, fading out of the market now, soon they gonna tell you we'll put some new system on market, don't wanna support yours anymore. Software, basicly they only cover asian and domestic. euro need extra $$$, and update was so slow. launch covers all in one price.
2.update, each update cost about $1k every year, still base system and only asian&domestic. euro? pay extra please.
3. function, only extra to launch/similiar is scope, really usefull? for a garage, not that much, I would use a real handheld scope if I really need it . coverage, solus/modis does not cover many module that even launch did. if you wanna just scan a 2010 MB c300 wiper control module, can solus do, no. even newest 11.4 won't do. don't mention u need replace some module in car, it's just a scanner, can not do most program, calibration, initialize or key program.
My shop current setup,
Launch Creader.
Launch X431
Launch diagun
Bosch MVCI(sold recently)
Snap-on modis 6.4
Snap-on solus 9.2
BMW GT1, diag/program
BENZ Xentry/DAS
Audi/VW, VAS5054 PC, VAG-COM, can also do bently/lamb
HONDA, HDS,GNA600
TOYOTA, TIS 6
NISSAN, CONSULT 3
FORD/MAZDA/LR/JAGUAR VCM
GM/SAAB, Tech 2
PORSCH PIWIS
VOLVO VIDA
FLUKE 98 II
may have some I missed.
10years ASE master, senior electronic engineer , IBM CATE.
billymade
Well-known member
projects, tell us more about your shop and how much factory scan tools cost... how do the factory tools get updated or do they require upgrades? What costs are involved to keep current vs. aftermarket tools? It looks like your shop works on everything; I guess the more your work on ... the more scan tools you need! Tell us more..
Toolhorder
Well-known member
I dunno it's hard to call something worthless when you have outdated software. From what I have seen so far with my Solus Ultra it's been great. I haven't had anything it couldn't do yet (I know it has holes but I haven't found them)
Launch makes a good product but it's got plenty of holes too. It's good for asian coverage but lacks in others.
Just saying nothing is perfect.
I'm not projects, but I do use factory scan tools in the shop I work at. Prices for tooling and update costs vary wildly from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Off the top of my head:
Ford IDS/VCM ~$3500 for the module/software and a 2yr subscription. Yearly subscriptions were something like $700/yr, and updates come fairly regularly over the internet (sometimes 2-3 a month).
GM Tech2 with the CANdi module ran the shop ~$4500 IIRC, and updates are ~$1400/yr. We don't do a whole lot of current GM vehicles, so it hasn't been updated in a year or two now.
Subaru Select Monitor 3/HDS3000 ran just shy of $3k, with updates running ~$1800/yr.
Something like OE tooling for Landrover can run into the $20k range.
For the most part, figure $2500-5k for OE tooling, and $500-1.5k for updates. Not exactly cheap, but way better than aftermarket scan tools, and they can be on par for price.
billymade
Well-known member
I have VCDS/VAGCOM for my VW; so, with my limited experience with that clone of the "official" Volkswagen scan tool, I can see why you need the specific tool to diagnose things. VCDS seems rare; its a one time purchase and aside from hardware developments like CAN bus (required a higher priced package with a new cable)... you get free software updates. I guess it is just impossible to find a scan tool that will do all the specific things a factory tool can; the first time I used the VCDS it told me a drivers side belt buckle was grounding out and that was why the airbag light was on... paid for itself right there! Installed the new buckle; cleared the codes, done! The detailed diagnosis that VW programmed into their vehicles and the specific nature of the codes these vehicles throw is amazing. This was my first experience with a factory tool on a modern vehicle; needless to say I was sold and I can see if you are working on every brand under the sun.... the factory scan tools would really help get the job done quicker, more intelligently. Projects, sounds like he has a huge investment in scan tools but I can see why with the amount of brands he services... like the old saying goes... get the right tool for the job...
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