What vehicle diagnostic?
What vehicle diagnostic?
Author
Discussion

crossy67

Original Poster:

1,570 posts

209 months

Thursday 5th December 2013
quotequote all
I am having to move back more into mechanics and repairs and am going to need to buy some form of diagnostic equipment. I have had the Launch X431 and the Snap-on Solus recommended to me by friends. I want to be able to diagnose faults on mostly European cars and mainly older (5 years +). Where I live there aren't any Snap-on men so back up isn't a priority, I will be fairly on my own. I'd like it to be simple as I haven't had much experience with this equipment but I would like to have the option of being able to reset things like Peugeot Eloys fluid counters, and re-code injectors along with all the other usual fault finding.

Anyone want to recommend me a diagnostics package please. I am looking at spending £1000 but could go higher if it makes that much difference (just to clarify, where I live Pug 205's are seen as many as being modern).

Ta for any advice.

crossy67

Original Poster:

1,570 posts

209 months

Friday 6th December 2013
quotequote all
No takers?

kev b

2,756 posts

196 months

Friday 6th December 2013
quotequote all
My brother has an all makes garage/mot business, he uses Snap-on gear and seems happy with it.

However I suspect he has not really considered any other brands because of possible lack of back up, Snap-on are the only firm to visit the area so there is no competition. If he needs repairs or accessories the van man is able to sort him out quickly.

I have used the Solus Pro a few times and it works on most vehicles, air-con, autobox,airbags as well. You often have a problem with very recent vehicles but by the time they are 5 or 6 yrs old there is usually an update available.


anonymous-user

84 months

Friday 6th December 2013
quotequote all
^ This.

Go with tailored diagnostics systems as you'll get much better coverage for a lot less dosh.

crossy67

Original Poster:

1,570 posts

209 months

Friday 6th December 2013
quotequote all
Good tips so far chaps, thanks a lot. I live in rural France so paying the Snap-on premium because of the back up is pointless (Hey, just had an idea for a new venture wink ). I am always open to alternatives, Snap-on are essential for some tools but there are many other makes that can be as good for the rest.

ch427

11,947 posts

263 months

Friday 6th December 2013
quotequote all
I hear good things about launch, autel maxidas too. If going in depth then the pico scope systems are even worth a look but are quite tricky to use.
sometimes the laptop based stuff is worth considering as although it proves expensive to buy the coverage is excellent.
There are lots of cloned versions of diagnostic packages avaailable so just beware when you buy.

Edited by ch427 on Friday 6th December 08:59

JDMDrifter

4,064 posts

195 months

Friday 6th December 2013
quotequote all
I picked up a cheapo fault code reader for VAG cars, it does the job of picking up the code then I just googled it, cost me about £15.

VAGCOM is brilliant though, i'd recommend this!

Krikkit

27,938 posts

211 months

Friday 6th December 2013
quotequote all
Laptop + manufacturer software would be my choice, no question.

V8RX7

28,982 posts

293 months

Friday 6th December 2013
quotequote all
A mate runs a garage and has Snapon / Launch but he prefers his Autoboss

The problem with Snapon is that many things are extras, the USA forums are also misleading as they get many more things included.