Debating a few bi-directional scanners

[i6pwr]

I'm pondering over the Autel 808, Xtool D7 or maybe D8, or other options. One concern is cost to add a vehicle and how often does this subscription or credit need to be renewed?

I can't see spending $500 for a scanner, and another $3-400 per year for occasional personal use. We currently have GM/Toyota but will likely add to that in the near future. Having live access to all the sensor data, graphs, and adjusting if needed is essential.

Budget...I would like to stay under $600 if possible.

My OBD MX and Tech 2 have limitations and are useful.....but need to step up the game.

 

[18LateModelFan]

I'm in the same boat, ideally looking for something that can read transmission Temp for Toyota (Tundra)

 

[FowVay]

I have the Xtool D8 with the bluetooth dongle and it works OK. I think that my replacement scanner will be an Autel or Launch product going forward. The Xtool has been a decent item but I will spend a bit more and get a more capable scanner in the future.

My D8 was supposed to have 3 years worth of free updates but that thing does updates every time I turn it on and I have no idea when they're going to stop. I can't complain about that aspect and consider myself lucky that they're still updating for free. I do believe the updates are $200/year if/when I have to start paying.

 

[zzyzzx]

I'm in the same boat, ideally looking for something that can read transmission Temp for Toyota (Tundra)

Can't pretty much any tool that does live data display that?

 

[Nukeman7]

I'm in the same boat, ideally looking for something that can read transmission Temp for Toyota (Tundra)

If the goal is to perform a change of the ATF, you can gauge the proper temperature in the Tundra w/out a scan tool (see video below).

 

[dubber09]

I got D7 just under 3 years ago, still getting updates and it should work without subscription renewal while some functions relying on online presence may stop working. For me and non professional use it's a decent scanner while missing a few things I can live without.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Isn't the Tech 2 the actual GM tool/software? Would it really have more limitations than an aftermarket scan tool?

The Innova 5610 does bi-directional. They also have a coverage checker so you can see what it does for a given car. It's $300 new, possibly cheaper if you can get a used one.

 

[wtd]

For the price and what it can do, this is a decent scan tool and it has free lifetime updates.
https://www.amazon.com/Bidirectiona...-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[johnmyster]

You don't really need to be buying updates unless you're buying new vehicles. Download the most recent software during the free period and you should be GTG until you buy a car newer than that.

My Autel MK808z is getting it done for my needs.

 

[CarlB]

I'm pondering over the Autel 808, Xtool D7 or maybe D8, or other options. One concern is cost to add a vehicle and how often does this subscription or credit need to be renewed?

I can't see spending $500 for a scanner, and another $3-400 per year for occasional personal use. We currently have GM/Toyota but will likely add to that in the near future. Having live access to all the sensor data, graphs, and adjusting if needed is essential.

Budget...I would like to stay under $600 if possible.

My OBD MX and Tech 2 have limitations and are useful.....but need to step up the game.

I just buy the specific one I need from vxdiag for $100, then use the OEM software.

 

[D60]

At the moment I think it's this: most tools come with two years free updates. So, if you buy 2025, be certain to update in 2027.

When you must read newer than 2027, the tool is disposable. You can pay ~$500 for updates or scrap the tablet and start over. The latter is usually the better choice financially unless you're talking really high end scanners.

Yeah, it's a racket and include all the many lamentations about our disposable society. But at some point, if you can't beat 'em.....join 'em. I'm already busy ranting about ten other things (like wiper blade connections that are NOT the hook, TPMS etc) and just don't have any more room on my yell-at-clouds list.

 

[Trav]

My Otofix expires in Dec so It will get replaced at some point when it is no longer useful. At least they don't brick the tool because you didn't update it.

 

[Nukeman7]

My XTool D7 is a good balance between price and capabilities, especially with the 3 years of free updates. It is even a better deal right now while on sale for $325 at Amazon.

 

[michaelluscher]

I didn't have the best luck with my XTool

For Toyotas, I'd recommend mid tier Autel (or OTOFIX), and Launch

 

[repairman54]

This has been working great for me for years. Need to get an update for my '23 so its current. Mine is PC based.
https://www.autoenginuity.com/

 

[SC Maintenance]

The Innova 5610 does bi-directional. They also have a coverage checker so you can see what it does for a given car. It's $300 new, possibly cheaper if you can get a used one.

I have been lead to believe the Zurich scanners at harborfreight are actually the Innova tools in different packaging for a few bucks less. On another forum - I have not used one. Lots of guys there have them and like them (both branded flavors).

 

[willbur]

My XTool D7 is a good balance between price and capabilities, especially with the 3 years of free updates. It is even a better deal right now while on sale for $325 at Amazon.

In my experience, their customer service is top notch and quick response

 

[RaymondP]

Another Xtool D7 owner. Have had limited use of it but it seems to work ok. Path to find the specific "Special Functions" is a bit challenging for some applications. I purchased based on reviews and relative cost to others. Need to do your homework to verify compatibility with the vehicles you plan to scan, as well as the specific applications or you will be disappointed in whatever you buy. Must have bi-directional capability, meaning it can modify your vehicles settings, not just read.

Anticipating needing a new battery soon (BMW) so hoping I can register and possibly reprogram settings for the type of battery and ah. Will see how it goes.

 

[wtd]

I have been lead to believe the Zurich scanners at harborfreight are actually the Innova tools in different packaging for a few bucks less. On another forum - I have not used one. Lots of guys there have them and like them (both branded flavors).

The Zurich scanners are made by Innova. I have the Innova 5610 scanner and it's decent but it does not access all modules so it is limited on what it can do.

 

[dubber09]

Another Xtool D7 owner. Have had limited use of it but it seems to work ok. Path to find the specific "Special Functions" is a bit challenging for some applications. I purchased based on reviews and relative cost to others. Need to do your homework to verify compatibility with the vehicles you plan to scan, as well as the specific applications or you will be disappointed in whatever you buy. Must have bi-directional capability, meaning it can modify your vehicles settings, not just read.

Anticipating needing a new battery soon (BMW) so hoping I can register and possibly reprogram settings for the type of battery and ah. Will see how it goes.

You should be able to register a BMW battery, I was able to register new Costco battery on Porsche 997 2005 model.