Hey Scotty, I know that it’s a good idea to get a scan tool, but, in Australia, obd2 scanners will only work on cars 2007 and newer, rather than 1996 for you in America. And, because that 2007 is the minimum year model for Australian vehicles, all of them would already have computer parts that would need a fancy scan tool for. So, my question is, is it worth it to get an autel maxidas scan tool, from Amazon, for $1200 Australian dollars ($850USD) worth it for an Aussie diy, considering the Australian dilemma?
Clarification: What do you need out of the scan tool? (I.e. services, capabilities, etc.)
That really depends on if you think you'll get the use out of it to make it worth it. It is a good unit, but only you know if it is worth the expense given how often you plan on using it.
First off, do you need the bi-directional capability of the Autel Maxidas? You pay a premium for that feature. If you don’t need it, you can go with an almost similar (in capability) but NOT bi-directional Autel MaxiCheck MX808; that’s the one I one and at least here in the US it is several hundred bucks cheaper. In your area, it may not be sold under that model but Autel may have an equivalent (you need to contact them and find out). See below for comparison (click on ‘Comparison’ after link open):
https://www.autel.com/c/www/mk3/3233.jhtml
But, I must warn you: make sure you buy a model supported in your region. So for example, the Autel MaxiCheck is a North-American model but not necessarily sold elsewhere in the world. You want to get a scan tool (especially one that is expensive) from 1.) an authorized dealer or distributor of that scan tool and 2.) a model supported for your region (usually authorized dealer or distributor for your region will sell the correct one). Both of those are important to not get scammed (such as with say clones or counterfeits that might fail on you weeks/months later, even out of the box!) and also to get warranty, support, service, software updates for your device.
Please also see my post below on other scan tools for consideration: make sure you contact Autel, Innova, and Bluedriver and see if they sell in your region (I know Innova and Bluedriver sell direct from their website and Innova also sells direct on Amazon, but Autel does NOT list Amazon as an authorized dealer/distributor so buyer beware if you still choose to buy from Amazon - you are on your own if you need help from Autel later):
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/postid/113598/
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/postid/161112/
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/postid/161265/
Like I said to you before, here in Australia, there’s no point in getting anything less. Because you’ll need a fancy scan tool like that anyway here. They do that here to try and force diy guys to never work on their own car. Because they know, that If people don’t pay a mechanic, the government doesn’t get their general sales tax, or GST
Then look at the Innova one in my link above as it has bi-directional capability - contact the company and see if it’s supported in your region. Also, find out their return policy just in case it doesn’t do exactly what you want. On Innova’s website you can also see if your vehicle is supported by either Innova scan tool and, if so, which features it has for your vehicle. One thing I like about Innova: free lifetime software updates with their tools.
Otherwise, you are looking at the more expensive Autel tools: the MaxiDas can be a good one; however, make sure it is sold and supported in your region! In the United States, it is not sold here anymore and so I have to step up to the MS906 or MS906BT which is more expensive of course. Also, after 1 year of use, you no longer get software updates unless you pay (in the US it can be up to $400 per year) for the Autel MS906BT. You don’t have to update the software to keep using it, but sometimes those updates include newer vehicles (may not matter for you or me) or just bug fixes or more features for your model car.
well, do you drive cars older than 2007?
Most DIY guys can get by tools that cost much less than that.
An enterprising man like yourself can surely find a way to make the necessary tool pay for itself in a short time. Entrepreneur!
