Windows OBDII bi-directional scanner recommendations?

[Flybye]

Im a one-man band small used car dealership that needs to have the occasional car repaired. For easy things like most sensors, O2 sensors, brake pads, accessory belts, lights, etc (all the small time easy stuff) I have no problem at all replacing them. Big jobs or real pain in the **** things I just take to my mechanic.

I had purchased a Windows software with OBDII connector for a few hundred bucks only to later realize it lacks a few American and Asian models.

I am seriously considering going with www.autoenginuity.com, but I keep reading conflicting reviews about it. Some say it has trouble connecting and others say they have been using it 10+ years without a problem. My mechanic cousin recommends an Autel device, but I really would prefer Windows based software. Check engine light causes are my main concern I just got a car in with a traction control light constantly on which is why Im considering the autoenginuity. I need the software to be able to check the check engine light codes, ABS trouble codes, SRS trouble codes, and any other funkiness to at least find out if I can repair it myself and bidiectional support to test anything should I need it. And Id love to be able to look at power values, but it looks like any good software can do so.

I searched GJ and found a few old threads, but I figured Id open a new one to see what is the current word out on autoenginuity and possible alternatives. Id need to be able to check any American and Asian car. Im willing to spend up to around $1300. Thx!

 

[Flybye]

No thoughts?

 

[OHMS LAW]

I’ve been out of the automotive side for a while but the autel is still supposedly one of the best. YMMV

 

[torqueman2002]

Not Windows based, but I use the Autel MS908.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7424905&postcount=44141

 

[Flybye]

Thanks all. Yeah people keep gravitating towards Autel. Just bugs me to spend $ on a computer when I have my own.

 

[Showkey]

Forget the windows base platform. Think of AUTEL more like a tablet......

AUTEL and spend a $400-900 and get bI directional scan tool like the 708. 808, 906 or 908 with very good coverage on any vehicle that shows up on your lot.

On a small Budget .........802 for $200 but it’s not bI directional. But has excellent coverage and does the job for Engine trans ABS SRS on most cars and trucks.

 

[Ramigojag]

I'm with the OP here I've always preferred Windows based, gives you more options to use the PC for other things as well like tech data, wiring diagrams and looking up something quickly on the web whilst plugged into a car.

I live in Australia, but used to live in the UK and there are loads of different companies who make Windows based tools there, I can't say for the states, but one of the best cheapest tools I've found is the Delphi DS150E, also sometimes called Wurth WoW or Autocom.

There are thousands of chinese copies of these machines on the net, most work ok, I've used a few myself and can be picked up cheap, but they can't be updated past around 2012/13 so probably not ideal.

Other ones worth considering would be Bosch KTS range although they tie you into mandatory yearly subscription.

Another one I have a lot of experience with is Texa and Italian company who has very good coverage on European and Asian, although I can't say for sure on US manufactured cars how deep their coverage will be.

Hope something there helps you.

 

[lbhsbz]

I've got an AutoEnginuity setup that I'd like to sell. It works well, but I never use it. I have the enhanced asian and domestic software and was updated back in 2015. $300 if you're interested

 

[Mr_B]

One scan tool never enough.
I use surface pro with obd software, oem software and open source software plus as you say so much else can be done on the windows based platform, have autel as well and it good tool for the money .

 

[Flybye]

Thanks all. I think Im going to contact Autel tomorrow, tell them my needs, and see which of their tablet models they will suggest. Some of their models come with a bunch of adapters for pre 2000 cars which I wont even need. I only sell 2000+ and mostly 2010+ cars. So Im hoping I can get one of the more powerful models without the added cost of all those adapters.