scantoolnut

Autologic is the only European tool that actually does everything (no kidding, check youtubes below). Otherwise, Autoland Scientech if you got the cash, or Carman Scan if you're broke. The Carman is not going to be much better than the Launch though. To see an Autologic on real vehicles, check out this youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ILoveAutologic

What's your set up? For example, we have a dedicated lap-top for reflashing. By the time you fire the thing up, remember the software, and etcetera, there's no way it is worth the time and effort unless you are doing a Mercedes/BMW service. Those are the only customers that would pay you for a preemptive reflash anyway.

For $800 you can get an ATS Escan that decodes mode 6, graphs , does volumetric efficiency, catalytic efficiency, etcetera. Or, if you just want codes, drive to the nearest Auto Zone and the 16 year old twerp that works there can get a code for you for free.

The AE is not user friendly at all. It hides bi directionals under the name "activation tests" that you need to side click on to get. For VW, it uses a totally different terminology and process to access the same thing. Real stupid. But, the functionality is there and that's what I care about.

I am not a Snap-On fans. If you want a good overall scan tool that has scope and gas analyzer, the OTC Genesys is the most cost effective. We are also very happy with Auto Enginuity, which is the best Euro scan tool we used aside from the Autologic (which is the Bugatti of scan tools.) The Auto Enginuity is the best bang for your buck by far, it is very good on US and Euro, not as much on Asian (though it is just behind Launch or Carman Scan on Asian.) On youtube there was a good scan tool shoot out on VW that gets into the real-world specifics of what these tools do. It goes along with what I know from real world experience.