Which Advanced Scan Tool Under $150 ?

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For the DIY mechanic, there seem to be 500 different hand held scan tools that can read codes and also have other features such as live data collection, etc. My head is spinning after 2 hours on the internet, researching which one to buy.

Right now I just have a basic Innova code reader, but I want something more advanced and with more diagnostic capability. I want it to be a stand alone tool, under $150. I am not interested in using a laptop or tablet or smartphone as a diagnostic tool, even though they may be more powerful (I don't own any of them).

One immediate use I have in mind is to determine which cylinder on my 2005 Subaru has the most misfires.

This one (Actron CP9580A) caught my eye, but I am open to other suggestions:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008ZDYLC2/ref=...ONK3E&psc=1
 
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I have the matco version of the one in your link. It's got its issues. It won't work on many cars and freezes up often.I have been borrowing the neighbors launch and so far it's worked on all cars and not locked up.
 
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
That's basically a code reader. If you're gonna spend that kind of money, you might as well get an Innova.


+1
 
Originally Posted By: SubLGT
For the DIY mechanic, there seem to be 500 different hand held scan tools that can read codes and also have other features such as live data collection, etc. My head is spinning after 2 hours on the internet, researching which one to buy.

Right now I just have a basic Innova code reader, but I want something more advanced and with more diagnostic capability. I want it to be a stand alone tool, under $150. I am not interested in using a laptop or tablet or smartphone as a diagnostic tool, even though they may be more powerful (I don't own any of them).

One immediate use I have in mind is to determine which cylinder on my 2005 Subaru has the most misfires.

This one (Actron CP9580A) caught my eye, but I am open to other suggestions:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008ZDYLC2/ref=...ONK3E&psc=1



Was kinda looking at this same model myself. For the price it doesn't seem bad. Iv never used one but it says it supports live data which can be useful.

I agree with you on the "500 models in my price range" they all seem to have 5-10 that only seem to vary slightly in price.

I know its not dealership grade but I don't see why people dislike it so much.

None the less this thread has caught my attention so I'll watch it.
 
Get one of the Autel ones direct from China. The Actrons are made there already, might as well skip the middleman.
 
I will be the first one to recommend Snap On Unobtainable before somebody else does, because somebody absolutely will!

OK, seriously look at Autel MS509 from Amazon for under $50 AND then try to find something better than from other manufacturer for under $150. I have purchased couple of them so far.

If I had $150, I would be researching this http://www.amazon.com/Launch-Creader-Professional-VII-Scanner/dp/B00EN7JOQC Here at least I get lot more than the $50 Autel one I had suggested. Forget Actron or Innova; you pay lot more but still get features of a $50 scanner.

Please keep us informed what you end up picking up.
 
Originally Posted By: Vikas
………….If I had $150, I would be researching this http://www.amazon.com/Launch-Creader-Professional-VII-Scanner/dp/B00EN7JOQC Here at least I get lot more than the $50 Autel one I had suggested. Forget Actron or Innova; you pay lot more but still get features of a $50 scanner……………...


Launch was never on my radar, but after 2 mentions on this thread, I will be taking a closer look at them. Curiously, the CReader 7+ tool is not shown on Launch's USA website, only the CReader 7 is shown: http://www.launchtechusa.com/assets/products/products.html
 
One thing I have noticed with Launch, and other manufacturers, is that if you want product technical support and a warranty, you have to purchase from an Authorized Dealer. Amazon carries a large variety of scan tools, but I have to wonder if they are an authorized dealer for any of them.

Launch shows Mac Tools, Matco, Cornwell Tools, and NAPA as authorized dealers. Amazon is not listed.
 
One has to compromise; if you keep on looking for the best at any price range, you will never come to a decision.
 
The purchase decision is complicated by the fact that most manufacturers websites do not provide full information and full specifications about their tool's capabilities. That leaves an information vacuum.

And there are a lot of surprisingly inexpensive name-brand scan tools that "smell" like counterfeits. It's like the $5000 Rolex wrist watch that can be had for $300 from certain sellers on Amazon and eBay.
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
That's basically a code reader. If you're gonna spend that kind of money, you might as well get an Innova.


+1


+2 Hard to beat the quality, features and price with Innova. They can be had very cheaply on ebay too.
 
SubLGT said:
The Launch CReader 5+, for around $75 at NAPA, looks interesting:
http://www.launchtechusa.com/assets/products/reader5plus.pdf

The CReader 6 also looks interesting (can store up to 8 hours of live data), but comes with a huge price increase over the 5+. Around $190 at NAPA (more than I want to spend).
http://www.launchtechusa.com/assets/products/CreaderVI.pdf [/quote


Not going to argue that 8 hours of live data isn't great but for the DIY or more common problems anything over 15 minutes is OVERKILL. If you do have an issue that is complete random and need that 8 hours, most likely its a more complex repair.

I now have 3 scantools but none are of use to the OP, i have techstream for toyota and Cypher/uprev for my infiniti both are on PC. I have Torque pro on my cell phone. Both are powerful in their own sense but i'm still looking for a god-like scanner that isn't a slug and can be used for many platforms.

My next handheld will be able to ABS/airbags on Asian cars. Slowly companies are figuring out how to put those features into lower end scantools. There is a lot of rebranding and ACTRON, AUTEL seem to be the most popular consumer grade units out there. Ive seen a lot of people complain about speed but if they ever used a REAL oem scan tool and done a whole system scan they know it takes LONG time. I've used the VAG tool from VW many times and its sluggish. I've also used the consult 2 and its not the zippest tool but faster.
 
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
…………………..Hard to beat the quality, features and price with Innova. They can be had very cheaply on ebay too.


If the price is "too good to be true", then the tool is probably a counterfeit.

Ebay must be the #1 source on the planet for counterfeit goods of all types. But I read that Alibaba.co is catching up. Amazon wants to be in the top 3, it seems.
 
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