Which scan tool should I get? (Page 1/1)
boysatt JAN 06, 10:25 AM
I'm a self employed automotive technician and rebuild and sell salvage vehicles. Its finally come time to either buy or update my diagnostic scan tool and I'm not sure what I should get. Right now I have OTC Genisys that's updated to 2009. Its a great tool and very easy to use but Its very limited on a lot of fronts where some of the better tools like snap-on are not. 2012 updates cost as much as buying a whole new system so I'm just thinking its time to go to something else.

What Scan tool do you technicians use/recommend?

Mike

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GreenPlatypus JAN 06, 01:09 PM
I am a big fan of the scan tools from Launch. look them up. prices are decent and they have a huge manufacturer base. and support is outstanding. Or if you can afford it, look into Autologic. I am desperately trying to get my work to get me an autologic. i am getting tired of sending out work, which equals losing money, i can easily do with the launch or autologic like programming modules. however, if you want something a bit ore mainstream, snap-on's modis can be had cheap and do everything but program modules. i believe it can, but never splurged on that side of it when i had one. i had matco's version, but never really toyed with it much, it was damaged before i could really get into it. for most mechanic/technician work, i think the modis will be perfect. and the launch if you want to do the next step. and the autologic if you want to put dealers to shame

I too have a genesys which is company supplied, i don't care for it much and it is very limited in what i would like it to do. though it is only up to 2005, they will not update it. i love the diagnostic side of mechanic work, so i use the crap out of it. I wore out a few buttons

before i forget, both the launch and modis have awesome SRS support, which you will find useful. just need to learn them, a bit more difficult than the OTC.
boysatt JAN 06, 01:56 PM

quote
Originally posted by GreenPlatypus:

I am a big fan of the scan tools from Launch. look them up. prices are decent and they have a huge manufacturer base. and support is outstanding. Or if you can afford it, look into Autologic. I am desperately trying to get my work to get me an autologic. i am getting tired of sending out work, which equals losing money, i can easily do with the launch or autologic like programming modules. however, if you want something a bit ore mainstream, snap-on's modis can be had cheap and do everything but program modules. i believe it can, but never splurged on that side of it when i had one. i had matco's version, but never really toyed with it much, it was damaged before i could really get into it. for most mechanic/technician work, i think the modis will be perfect. and the launch if you want to do the next step. and the autologic if you want to put dealers to shame

I too have a genesys which is company supplied, i don't care for it much and it is very limited in what i would like it to do. though it is only up to 2005, they will not update it. i love the diagnostic side of mechanic work, so i use the crap out of it. I wore out a few buttons

before i forget, both the launch and modis have awesome SRS support, which you will find useful. just need to learn them, a bit more difficult than the OTC.



Looks like autologic tools are only European biased which does me no good. The Launch brand is hard to find specific info on, and there is no distributors in my area. Hard to buy a tool you cannot check out before you commit. I have looked at the modis and had considered buying one as I figured it was one of the best, but its overpriced and snap on screws you on updates. I'm interested in checking out the OTC Genisys Touch but no release date yet.
GreenPlatypus JAN 06, 11:07 PM
launch can be had from any snap-on, matco tool distributor. it has more emphisis on euro cars, as well. but better coverage for US stuff than autologic. for what you do, i'd say the modis would be the best route to go, ain't cheap unless you have a good account with the dealer. i got free updates on mine, along with my 40k tool bill. the otc touch will be similar to what the launch, just geared more for domestics. i work on everything, absolutely everything so my needs are a bit higher.
BlackEmrald JAN 11, 01:07 PM
I am trained with Snap-On Ethos scan tools. I would recommend them. Low entry cost, but the software and manufacturer specific chips can be pricey, but I am sure that is with any of them.