Which obd2 scanner is the best value?

I hear you.
No one wants to buy what they think is the best tool they will need, only to find out that there was one feature that would have made it better.

 

$4 gets a bt obdii module off ebay. $10 gets an old android smartphone off craigslist, and $0 gets you torque.

That's about as cheap and simple as it gets, short of waiting for a code and borrowing a scanner from a parts store for free.

Ascsoon as you try to combine cheap and best in the same thought you're setting yourself up for dissapointment. The best isn't cheap and the next most expensive always does more.

 

If I were buying one today not expecting to be working at a shop for a while I would probably get a slightly nicer one like the one someone posted with an ebay link, figuring if it's something that I need much more extra info for I would likely bring it to a shop before deciding on my own that I need a $300 part when someone like my boss who's been working on cars for 25+ years has extra information and experience of "ohh I've seen this one before and it's this weird little thing about half the time"

 

ok I like this one, https://www.amazon.com/KONNWEI-Diagnostic-Scanner-Reading-Clearing/dp/B01E7339OE

it seems to be pretty good and for $10 more then the 808 version I was looking at, it also reads the tranny but the reviews says it does not read the abs system.

it would be nice to have one that besides the normal fault codes, it reads the tranny AND the abs systems even if I may never use such features but I think I am chasing a unicorn trying to find an abs reading scanner for under $200

 

I got an Ultragauge brand new off of ebay. I really like it so far and you can find them for around $50 used. I paid about $70 for mine a few months back. It is pretty simple to use. I know it's a little more than you wanted to spend but it is worth it to me.

 

does it do the abs system?

just seems like its good to have that info rather then have to pay a shop to tell me I had a bad wheel sensor

 

I'm honestly not sure. Yeah I try and avoid having to pay auto shops for stuff like that too.

 

I bought a Innova 5 or 6 years ago, I think it cost around $40 dollars, only tells you why engine light is on, don't need a computer of phone to use, seems to be well made, haven't had any trouble with it. I think if I bought another one I would want one that covers anti lock brakes, transmissions and maybe body modules.

 

The Actron CP9660 does ABS, as well as live and freeze data, and is only $56:

Actron CP9660 PocketScan Plus ABS/OBD II/CAN Scan Tool for 1996 and Newer Vehicles, Orange

https://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9660-POCKETSCAN-Plus-Scan/dp/B011P30F8M

 

ya, that's the unicorn im chasing, for $40 I can get a basic scanner, some even do tranny codes for that, but the abs takes it into the $200 range for them.

maybe I can find a deal but I doubt I can get an abs scanner for at or under the $100 range

 

thanks, I didn't see this one earlier since we posted at the same time, will definitely look into this one

 

I got mine from harbor freight

 

im not afraid to get cheap hand or power tools from harbor freight, but when it comes to the electronic things they sell, like battery chargers, they are pure crap and never work right, so I tend to avoid them for things that have circuit boards in them, I just don't trust them

 

im liking the Actron CP9680 that even resets battery and oil change lights "something all new cars have now" so that saves going through the open close doors 20 times to reset shit like that. my 06 4runner actually has that "its time for an oil change" light crap.

the best price I found so far on it was at $135 for it. have to think hard on spending that much for a tool I may only use half a dozen times in my life

 

the one I got seems to be as good as other brands and I had a coupon too. EBAY is another good option for a good deal.

 

Thought about that model also, but just couldn't justify the $80 additional cost.

Actron model comparison:

https://actron.com/sites/default/files/comparison.pdf

 

Can this one do ABS?

 

unfortunately no, but reads fuel trims

 

im struggling with that as well, I certainly would be using the oil change reset but not willing to pay $80 more just for that

I have no idea what a battery reset is for or why I would need it

I like having the air bag scanner as well but then I can live without the air bag part for that added price

the 9680 has something called code connect which I have no idea what that is or what you do with it.

so it looks like the 9680 costs $80 more to give me
auto ID (vin number)
color screen
air bag system monitor
live data/ freeze frame data reading
internet updatable software
data record and playback
code connect ?????????????
battery/alternator/charging system monitor
battery reset
oil light reset (oil change light)

 

Just be careful with that oil reset determination.

In the comparison chart I posted, it shows the oil reset effective for BMW, GM, Ford, and Hyundai. No mention of Toyota.