I want more than a code reader, but I don't need to be able to program modules.
Here's what I need:
the ability to read codes, all of them, not just engine codes
the ability to read live data
the ability to read data from American, Asian, and European cars
Nice to have:
the ability to code keys
What do you have experience with? Are there functions/featurs I'm missing? I suspect there are but I'm heavily medicated right now, working through brain fog.
I have a blutetooth "Veepeak" reader paired to my phone with the free Car Scanner app. At one point I was using it as gauges with a phone mount for a Challenge car. It can read all the codes, live data, customizable gauge interface, and clear codes too. A little clunky UI but you get what you pay for.
Depends on the car as much as I hate to say it without spending a lot of $$$.
My foxwell comes the closest to what you are asking for that is under $300. It's the NT710. Now it looks like if you want all of the cars, you need the NT809 which is $100 more.
But even with that, It doesn't read the ACD codes so I need my EvoScan.
I've had the best luck with getting a platform specific software like EvoScan or Vagcom and the appropriate reader for that.
Yeah, I guess I was asking for too much for what I want to spend. I didn't put a price in there, because I wanted to see what models you guys/girls recommended.
Currently I want to be able work with my R53 mini. I'm liking the Foxwell stuff. Now I'll have to compare the different models to see what hits the sweet spot.
I have the Topdon Phoenix Plus.
It will do everything you you want but it isn't cheap.
bmw88rider said:I've had the best luck with getting a platform specific software like EvoScan or Vagcom and the appropriate reader for that.
My adolescent brain saw Vagcom and went someplace other than German cars when reading vag, and thinking "damn, a code scanner for figuring out what wrong with owners of those would be priceless".
Topdon, Autel, Launch, or one of the other amazon brands represents the best bang for the buck and will do real well on euro stuff, import stuff, and late model US stuff. You can get them from Ali Express for cheaper but without the free returns try before you buy that's real nice about Amazon Prime.
Snap On Solus is still the gold standard for US stuff and has support all the way back to 1980 so that's nice if you work on old garbage. If you don't need newer than 2016 or so, an out of date Solus for $300 or so is a screaming deal for how in depth and robust it is.
"Programming keys" is a pretty loose term, that's gonna be real vehicle specific as to if its doable or not at the OBDII Scan tool level.
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