Best Toyota/Lexus Scanner under $200

[Gebo]

I have old cars. 1998-2007. All Toyota and Lexus. I've been using the Blue Driver and it is getting wonky. Is there a really informative
scanner that I can purchase under $200 that will work on my cars. I will only purchase Toyota or Lexus cars between now and my death.

I've watched a lot of YouTubes and they talk a lot about what this scanner and do versus what that scanner can do but when I research those
scanners more, none of them do the "fancy" stuff on my older cars.

Looking for advice. Maybe the $25 Autel is all I need. The Blue Driver worked really good a year ago and now it is frustrating me.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Autel makes some good scan tools. I’d look at those.

 

[SatinSilver]

If you look through the videos by Car Care Nut on YouTube he mentions a good, low cost scanner for Toyotas. He’s a master diagnostic tech at a Toyota dealer.

 

[Gebo]

If you look through the videos by Car Care Nut on YouTube he mentions a good, low cost scanner for Toyotas. He’s a master diagnostic tech at a Toyota dealer.

Yes, but not really for my cars. I went to their website of the scanner he was recommending and all it will do for my cars is just the basic diagnosis.
But that may be all that’s available to do all my cars, the basic diagnosis. I don’t know.
I’m thinking the age of my cars will play a big factor in determining which scanner I should buy.

 

[JMJNet]

Toyota uses Techstream.
The genuine Techstream is expensive but there are a lot of cheaper chinese knock-off version that people say will work.
I have not tried it yet, though.
So I am not sure how far back it will go or whether the CKO will cover the current model year.
I am sure there are a few here that has tried it.

 

[The Critic]

Chinese knockoff of Techstream.

 

[Oillover]

Toyota uses Techstream.
The genuine Techstream is expensive but there are a lot of cheaper chinese knock-off version that people say will work.
I have not tried it yet, though.
So I am not sure how far back it will go or whether the CKO will cover the current model year.
I am sure there are a few here that has tried it.

+1000

OP will be able to access certain things with Techstream that only dealerships can do (as well as regular diagnosing etc.)
Purchased the tools (125 in total) and was able to access personalized settings in my 06 IS350 that other generic systems cannot touch.
Fantastic investment that'll work on all Toyota/Lexus and Scion vehicles from the late 90s to the current day.

 

[JMJNet]

+1000

OP will be able to access certain things with Techstream that only dealerships can do (as well as regular diagnosing etc.)
Purchased the tools (125 in total) and was able to access personalized settings in my 06 IS350 that other generic systems cannot touch.
Fantastic investment that'll work on all Toyota/Lexus and Scion vehicles from the late 90s to the current day.

Can you share with us which particular one did you buy?
TIA.

 

[Oro_O]

I've owned and worked on a lot of Toyota and Lexus vehicles over the last 12 years and honestly never needed anything besides OBDII, at least on cars up to ~2010.

On cars I do need specific readers for unique maker codes/lights/ABS, etc., I have iCarsoft and they have served me well.

 

[partspro]

Have to agree, iirc, TOYOTA, tried to claim some level of proprietary nature to their specific codes back in the day, and the feds beat them up pretty hard. IF you more such as access to the full can bus, to activate certain circuits, then a PC DOWNLOAD, OR IPHONE OR ANDROID, COULD BE available, google is your friend. I used to visit a Pawn Shop, they bought up lots of Scanners from various dealers when new features came in for new inventory. Good prices, as i was a regular customer, buying and selling.

 

[atikovi]

I went to their website of the scanner he was recommending and all it will do for my cars is just the basic diagnosis.

If you want generic OBD2, any $50 scanner will do. If you want to add airbag and ABS, expect to pay over $200. If you want to do everything including BCM, HVAC, suspension, etc. your looking at probably $800 minimum for a good multi-make scan tool.