Good OBD scanner for weekend mechanic?

[mijohnst]

I've been using generic Bluetooth scanner with TORQUE and it works fine but looking through some of the posts here I see that people are getting more details than I can dream of getting. Many like the Actron CP9690. It's a bit pricy for me, however. Anyone else have a recommendation that will do a better deep dive than the generics?

 

[drakon543]

for a cheaper all purpose scanner with more advanced features i like innova brand scanners. they sell them in different grades like the actrons and such but tend to be cheaper. tech 2 scanner for gm vehicles also is a great buy im not sure what the current prices on them are but its a gm specific scanner as i can tell and is capable of communicating with the whole vehicle for all your diagnostic needs.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

If you want one of the best diagnostic tools available for your truck, I recommend that you consider a Tech 2. It will provide you with just about any diagnostic capabilities that you will ever need.

Depending upon your budget, you can purchase a Chinese knock-off for about $350. Many folks on this Forum have gone in this direction.

 

[swathdiver]

What Joe said!! ^^^^^

 

[OR VietVet]

I bought the Tech 2 on ebay for $325 but have yet to use it. Glad to have it for when I need it.

There has to be a reason that when I asked about what to get, on this forum, 95% said get a Tech 2. If I am looking for a lawyer, doctor or dentist, I don't ask for the cheapest, I want the best I can get. Same can be said for the Tech 2.

 

[Tim10]

I've been using generic Bluetooth scanner with TORQUE and it works fine but look through some of the posts here I see that people are getting more details than I can dream of getting. Many like the Actron CP9690. It's a bit pricy for me, however. Anyone else have a recommendation that will do a better deep dive than the generics?

I just bought Bluedriver OBD2 scanner. It’s a $100 scanner.
It’s a same Bluetooth scanner but does same thing as a pro scanner. Google it and see if it fits you...
I’m happy with it

 

[Big Mama]

I have hobo freights ZR-13 but only bc our kids drive so many different makes. It’s pretty good does the ABS and airbag stuff but nowhere near what a Tech2 can for my Yukon, which is my only GM vehicle now.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Tech 2 is probably cheapest here:

http://www.chinacardiags.com/wholes...el-suzuki-isuzu-holden-with-full-package.html

@Doubeleive always suggests a US seller for good reason, but usually a tad more $. He has also recently found another setup. Wes, care to expuound?

 

[Doubeleive]

if you have a windows tablet or laptop you can get a vxdiag nano (ebay/amazon), it will give you the function of a tech2 on the tablet/laptop (tech2win)
the vxdiag nano runs about $135 sometimes a little less. So far it's the best bang for the buck it also does gds2 which is what all the gm vehicles went to in 2014.

 

[Lalo]

Anyone using a GM MDI with a laptop I bought one but have yet to use it because I understand you need a subscription to use on newer GM vehicles ....?