Which obd2 scanner is the best value?

like the title says, which obII scanner is the best value and features all in one, that works on everything from 1995-2017 cars

I want to get a good one that will last me 15 years so I don't mind paying for better quality but at the same time im not wanting to spend a lot on it, something under $40 for sure and hopefully under $30

I don't have any codes to need it yet but its time I added one to my tool box

sorry, I forgot to add that this would need to be a self contained all in one type unit because I don't use fancy phones with computer screens and blue tooth stuff, $9 flip phone here is al I got lol.

 

Sounds like an oxymoron, but interested in what others come up with.

 

I have the SGII in my Tacoma 24/7 and use the Torque app with my phone in the Tundra.

Both are very good, but I like the simplicity of the SGII better. I've been waiting for a used one to pop up for sale, but they don't very often and the price is usually with in $20 of new.

I don't know about the Ultra Gauge. It looks like it has the same capabilities as the SGII.

The SGII has the ability to change the color to match your existing dash lights. I never bothered.

 

Funny story: My wife cleans house for my 77 year old uncle. She came home from cleaning his house and said "you guys are definitely related". He had an empty SGII box on the counter. Nice to know he researches tools even if he is getting up there.

 

I have a blue $10 Bluetooth job from Amazon that does what I need. That plus the paid version of Torque gives me all the info I need. I've even used the terminal emulator to turn off the seatbelt chimes. It wouldn't hold up to shop use but for occasional use in one or two vehicles it's great.

This guy https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B010...th+adapter&dpPl=1&dpID=51xdqeV5xOL&ref=plSrch

 

Scangauge all the way. Keep your eye out for an Autozone/Advanced/Oreily's discount code. Think I used a 25 or 30% off code and got it around $99. Ordered online with the code and went and picked it up in store the same day.

 

@hoarder23 is exactly right. The smart phone apps are nearly as capable as much more expensive devices, under $30 with the interface and can catalog in some cases. Elm blue tooth for android and Wifi based for iphones.

 

I have a a an gauge ll my BIL gave me. But the one posted above looks to be a good deal and torque app is like 5 bucks or they even have a free version in the Google play store

 

I agree entirely. The phone based models are very powerful. If you plan on only using it for scanning codes, then that's the way to go.

If you are leaving it in the car permanently, the smart phone models are just too distracting.

I kind of thought the Torque version was just too "busy" I'm not going to spend all the time customizing the readout.

With the SGII, all I have to do is push 1 button and I can move to the next 4 parameters I want to watch.

I know I can have more than 10 parameters on the phone screen using Torque, but the data is kinda stale since only so much data can be transmitted via blue tooth. It heats up the phone and kills its battery.

SGII is hard wired, so no battery issues.

 

sorry, I forgot to add that this would need to be a self contained all in one type unit because I don't use fancy phones with computer screens and blue tooth stuff, $9 flip phone here is all I got, it makes phone calls and takes crappy pictures and that's about as fully featured as it gets lol.

I saw this one but have no idea if its any good or not http://www.ebay.com/itm/281829910084?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

I would avoid buying off eBay because if it is garbage your ability to return sucks. Amazon will send you a shipping label no charge.

 

just go buy one off of Amazon for like 25 or 30 bucks, they are basically all the same in that price range. Do be aware you will not be able to retrieve any airbag or transmission codes, if that matters to you, seems most people dont know that other codes exist anyways.

This is what stays in my truck - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JSGR9Y/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the basic one the shop I work at has -

ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool - Orange

https://www.amazon.com/ANCEL-Classi...8&qid=1495310974&sr=1-21&keywords=obd2+reader
This is the do fucking everything one at said shop - https://www.ebay.com/p/?iid=172675245928&&&chn=ps

 

actually this isn't true, ebay has a no questions asked return policy, if anything sold isn't "as advertised" then its free return shipping and full refund. if you tell them any other reason then "not as advertised" or "defective, doesn't work" then yes they charge restocking fees and you have to pay return shipping. I have actually ben screwed over many times by Amazon if its not from amazon marketplace, in my experience, they "amazon" do not hold sellers as accountable as ebay does

 

he he he, well I think $4800 is a little over my budget but that thing must do everything and order your lunch for you too lol.

it would be nice to do more then the basic codes, what price range am I looking at for the average joe mechanic version for working out of his garage that can tell me more then the "basic" info? does that $35 ancel one read stuff like the tranny codes and other stuff?

this is for when I have issues and I don't want to guess whats wrong, if the truck can tell me the problem, then I want a a scanner that can recover that info, but not looking to spend big

 

The snap on one is awsome, you can turn on individual components to test if they work or not and it'll tell you everything from engine temp to spark advance.
If all you want it to be able to tell which engine codes are present then either of the first two I linked will be fine, most people just use them as such "Ohhh look it says my o2 sensor isn't working, guess I'll put a new one in" most any of them can tell you that, there are ones that are in between the basic and the snap on one, I do not know if they are just advanced engine scanners or do other components, I think they are about $250 from autozone/napa/ect. There is a thread somewhere here that lists every damn code there is and what it means.
If average Joe mechanic is maintaining your own car and one or two others in the family a basic one should do it. Keep in mind that the more complexed ones though nice means you should have a greater understanding of how the car works so you can use the info properly if your spending that extra money.

 

if its info I can use and helps me fix the car or solve issues they I can see spending more, by more I mean $100 super maximum in as far as "I must have been drunk to click buy on that thing"

im not looking to get "geeky" with it, just if it useful to the average guy in his garage. just would hate to be told "well for $20 more that other meter is soo much better and does stuff that can be usefull"

if you were buying one today to put in your truck and you weren't expecting to have access to the one at the shop, which ones that are out there would you buy right now?

 

Is this going to be for Toyota vehicles?

Order a copy of the Tech Stream software and install it on your computer.

Its the same program the Toyota dealership's use. It is an enhanced diagnostic tool. I have it, but be warned, its a pain to get it installed on your computer if you have limited computer skills.
It took me almost a month to get it to communicate with the truck.

Unless you want to keep your laptop in the car, its not really portable. It does work good for recording live data, though.

https://www.amazon.com/GXG-1987-Dia...=1495329290&sr=8-1&keywords=toyota+techstream

 

ya, I heard about that program but I don't have a laptop or think I could manage that type of complicated stuff

plus I would be looking for general multi brand applications use even though for now its just for my Toyota.

what im looking for "k" is to get the best multi purpose ob2 scanner I can for under $50- that does everything you would "reasonably" want one to do for you

 

Good luck with the hunt, Karl. What I listed is all I have experience with. Please report back when you find what marks all your check boxes.

 

ya, I think any old ob2 scanner would do me well

I just don't know if there is something "one step above" the basic average scanners that is really worth paying extra for just to read codes and tell me whats wrong, that's all I really need it to do for me