If you don't need access to all of the vehicle modules or bidirectional controls, it's hard to beat a $10 bluetooth dongle for your phone found on amazon or ebay, with an inexpensive app like torque pro for $5. You can do quite a bit with a generic obd2 tool.
Autel and Launch make a good range of products for all different skill levels and applications at good price points, in my opinion.
I recently purchased a Bosch 1350. I had been using AutoEnginuity's software [since about 2004-5], but it bacame useless when the laptop got old and died. I am only a DIY guy anymore. Took my "shingle" down years ago. Once in a while I'll still diagnose a problem for a friend. ...J.D.
You can go a long way with a basic eBay ELM327 bluetooth dongle and the right app --- I strongly favour InCar Doc Pro Android App which is much more a diagnostic tool with better graphing than Torque.
For a hand held basic OBD scantool/code reader the lower cost end of the Autel or Launch ranges is always a safe buy, One of the problems when selecting any scantool is the model designations get very confusing and extra features.
With Launch the lower cost tools start with the CRP ranges , the X431 tools are pro and semi-pro. With Autel the more capable the tool the higher the model number.
With handheld scantools It is a minimum essential to buy one that gives you live data, also having graphing makes a big difference. You might want to look at the Autel AL519 or the or AL539 AL539B or AL619 or ML629.
OBD2 or EOBD or JOBD has limitations even more so on Euro and Asian manufacturers for example I had a fault light on in a older Land-Rover Freelander diesel that wouln't return or clear a code under standard OBD. It turned out to be a very simple fault but needed a scanntool that covered LR.
OBD/EOBD/JOBD is basic engine and transmission codes and data although so as you go up Autel and Launch you get extra functions such as SRS and ABS data (really pretty essential), TPMS and handbrake reset.
" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)
Last edit: 5 years 3 months ago by Andy.MacFadyen.
The answer is gonna depend on your personal fleet size/makeup, and how much work you do for others. For me, the Autel MX808 is nearly impossible to beat for the price and functionality:
There are definitely cheaper options out there, but few will be as capable or work as well. It's easy to say you don't need to be able to talk to a RCDLR on a Chevy, until you do.
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