Thinking about buying an OBD2 that can handle a wide variety of vehicles, US and Japanese. Some vehicles may have OBD1 codes, so it must be able to read those codes too. Must be able to read 1997 up to new.

Any suggestions which brand and model to buy? Where would be the best place to buy and have shipped to a US address?

Is a professional version the only way to go, or is a slightly cheaper "home mechanic" type adequate? Have been checking on the 'net and there is such a wide variety with both good and bad reviews for the same model that I am getting confused.

 

Stan,
I just bought an el cheapo just to read codes. It works great for pulling the codes and clearing them. I paid 39.00 at Harbor Freight. Works great for what I bought it for. It does not do ABS reads, but then I really don't need that function. The more expensive ones can read ABS and re-set tire size and a few other features. It all depends on how much info you want, and what you want to do with it. I think Harbor Freight has a professional model for around $100.00 that will do most anything. Dunno about reading OBDI, but this cheapo can read CANBUS codes as well.

Gary

 

I just bought one of these, and I cannot say I like it at all. Yea, it works kind of, and I can clear codes and it has some limited functionality, but it isn't friendly at all....... I would NOT purchase it again.


Actually, I would love to find a good one myself that you can actually read live data like my old OTC4000E.

There are some reports about using software with your smartphone and they seem to like them.

 

Thanks Pat for that info, will stay away from that one.
Forgot to mention that whatever I get needs to read ABS codes also.
What do the professional mechanics use?

 

1600-2000 bucks depending on features.