SCAN TOOL ? New to the forum. I run Northern Auto in Berkley MI

[NorthernMike]

In my shop we have an older Snap-On Modis eems300 and an Autel MAxidas DS708.....The Autel is new used but new to us.. It needs to be updated. however so does the Modis. and on top of that My drive tech and I and my owner want to step up to something that can program and flash by the end of the year.

 

So all that being said...in the interim...Should I spend the money on updating the Autel or the Snap On. I know what the Modis does..I also think the Modis is slower than the Ds708....who out there can answer this for me.

Thanks in advance

Mike at northern

[mspecperformance]

Cars and car makers are becoming more and more complicated. The industry is trending towards having to have separate scanners/computers for every car make. Sooner or later 1 scanner fits all type of tools will be obsolete or very very limited. If you want something for general repair I hear the newest Autel is pretty good especially for the money. If you are looking for something that flash, go OEM tool.

[John Pearson]

We use a modis ultra for quick easy stuff but have GM and Ford oem tools and will add Chrysler by the end of the year.

[ATSAutomotive]

Snap On Solus Ultra - Then have started to buy OEM tooling. I would start looking at what you work on most and devise a plan to start buying OEM tooling as it will become the norm.

 

If you are looking at flashing - Drew Tech - either Cardaq-Plus or the Cardaq-M

[Mario]

I use a snapon solus. I have a vantage as well that I have to dust off every once in a while. 95% off vehicles I work on a solus and a DVOM is enough but I understand electrical circuits, functions, and can read a wiring diagram. My technician unfortunately is another story.

[ATLAuto]

We've got the following:

 

Ford IDS

GM Tech2

Honda/Acura HDS

Toyota/Lexus/Scion Techstream

Hyundai/Kia GScan

VW/Audi Vag-Com

 

Our two master techs have a couple Snap Ons and Autels.

 

If I were to start a shop from scratch, I'd probably buy Ford, GM, VW, and an Autel for the rest. $8k tops for all of that, including a ToughBook.

 

Right now, we're debating getting a Pico Scope. It's an oscilloscope on steroids, laptop based. Trying to decide if it will just be a fun tool to have or actually make a profit.

[Mario]

You can make money with a picoscope for sure. It's not handheld but a lot more ability then the snapon scopes.

 

Some techs love scopes, most techs can't use them. They are not in most OEM diag. trees and most schools don't get in depth on their functions and uses. Most techs that know how to use them learn on their own time.

 

I use my vantage a couple times a month, but normally not required to diag and repair what I see, but your needs may vary.

[dfrisby]

You can make money with a picoscope for sure. It's not handheld but a lot more ability then the snapon scopes.

 

Some techs love scopes, most techs can't use them. They are not in most OEM diag. trees and most schools don't get in depth on their functions and uses. Most techs that know how to use them learn on their own time.

 

I use my vantage a couple times a month, but normally not required to diag and repair what I see, but your needs may vary.

I love my vantage. I work on everything from lawn mowers and ATVs to automotive and heavy trucks. Have a solus ultra that does most of what I need. I also have a blue point HD truck scan tool. Unless you are a dealer, its pretty much impossible to get OEM diagnostic tools for ATVs, so I manually test components with the vantage. Its used more than the solus in my shop. I end up doing all the diagnostic work in my shop because I haven't yet found a tech to hire that has the abilities. I will probably end up picking up a tech 2 in the future. Only OEM needs I've had so far have all been gm products.

 

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[ATLAuto]

Interesting. I had no idea ATVs had diag tools / software made for them. Although, it makes sense. My buddy just bought the CAT tool for the big equipment.

[John Pearson]

ATV's are costing more then cars these days!!

[dfrisby]

ATV's are costing more then cars these days!!

I've noticed that people seem more willing to spend money on atv repairs than car repairs. Have a 98 polaris that I just did an estimate for thinking no way he'd have me do all the work. Estimate was over $1,500 and he gave the go ahead and said if we find anything else, fix it.

 

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[NorthernMike]

Is anyone using the Autel MAxidas DS708.....in their shops,.

[John Pearson]

I've noticed that people seem more willing to spend money on atv repairs than car repairs. Have a 98 polaris that I just did an estimate for thinking no way he'd have me do all the work. Estimate was over $1,500 and he gave the go ahead and said if we find anything else, fix it.

 

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Stranded out on the road is okay we have road side assistance, stranded out in the Alaska bush is not an option. Fix that damn thing.

[Mario]

Northern mike, don't have one here but have used one. There is a new line of autel scanners but the DS708 is still popular. It can be had for around $800 from harbor freight with a 20-25% coupon online. It's an authentic version supported by Autel (lots of online knock offs that aren't supported).

 

It has lots of holes as a scanner, but is cheap and a good additions considering the price of snapons and OE scanners.

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The DS708 is a great tool with many capabilities but It has certain functions that don't seem to work. Well worth the money for the coverage it offers.