Diagnostics systems: Review request

knifey_spoonie

So what im after is what people are using for general diagnostics. Its something im looking into buying and kind wanted to know what the people who use them think of them.

I know you have any numer of systems and not one will plug into every car.

My own experience is with snap-on solus, not a bad system, very user friendly, but expensive.

You have the likes of Launch, Brain Bee, Autoboss. What are they really like.

Basically all i want to know whats the best all round system, out there at reasonable money. (Under the €3000 mark)


Thanks

El Guapo!

AFAIK the launch and brain bee systems are fairly expensive. What do you want? Is it purely for diagnostics or do you want the gas analyser etc. along with it. Brain bee is excellent and you can get the whole package along with gas analyser.
If its purely for diagnostic then the one I use is the "Nextech Carman Scan". Its a small hand-held device so its very portable unlike some of the other systems. As you said diagnostic tools wont fit every car and this is no exception, although it does the majority of cars and I have only came across a couple of cars it wouldnt do. Heres the link to the website


http://www.nex-tek.com/english/product/01_06.asp?cate=1

Have a look here, the Ultrascan system is very good:

http://www.v-techuk.com/english/products/index.asp

Digitaljunkie

Only thing is when buying diagnostics is that you getbasic and advanced training otherwise its a waste of money not understanding all its functions. You've got to know how a system works before you can diagnose a problem. So what ever you buy factor training into the cost. Their are so many people out there buying vagcom etc. but will never really know how to use them properly with out basic and advanced training.

knifey_spoonie

Thanks for the replys lads.

All we need is a diag. already have a 4gas. Just need something that we can check EML, service lights, EPB windback.

The snap on system is cheaper than i previously thought.Also you have the back up that comes with snap-on

Does anyone have any experience of the Autoboss or launch systems

Kid Nothing

Launch is a good system. Covers plenty of makes and is very handy to update on their website. Only problem I have with it is that it's a Chinese machine so some of the translations can be a bit off the wall!

I've heard the snap on one isn't great. And I'd believe it tbh, great tools but for a diagnostic machine personally I'd be going with a company who solely deal in that field.

I should be getting my hands on a BrainBee system in the next few weeks so i'm dying to see how it compares to Launch.

beachlife

knifey_spoonie wrote: »

Thanks for the replys lads.

All we need is a diag. already have a 4gas. Just need something that we can check EML, service lights, EPB windback.

The snap on system is cheaper than i previously thought.Also you have the back up that comes with snap-on

Does anyone have any experience of the Autoboss or launch systems

Hi I have (had) a launch x431 it's out of date now in the sence that it is SOOOO SLOOOW...... I have also got the autoboss v30 which is great on bmw/merc and good on every thing else. I have a carman scan lite with the full connector set and euro and asian software...this is the first tool out of the box for me most of the time.
I have vcds for vag
vaux-com for opel
clip for renault
lexia/planet for the psa
and a smoke pro for air leaks!!!!


I want to get a dec superscan 11
and/or a proper ids for ford/landrover/mazda
also want to get a pico scope.

but to start of i would say get the new launch master or launch diagun.
it will do most thngs you need to get going......good luck