Vehicle diagnostic system??

[Serious4play]

Hi all, I have only started out on my own and I am in the process of looking for a vehicle diagnostic system.
To date I have always used snap on but they are expensive to buy and update. I have also been advised to look at Autel, Autoboss and Launch systems.
I would appreciate it if you could advise me if you have used any of these systems and what your thoughts are on them.
Also what would all you mechanics out there recommend?

Any advice would be great.

Thanks,

S4p

 

[stuartturbo]

I used to sell the Launch X431.
Had a play with the others did prefer that but i found it very good bit of kit for the money.
the other thing is how much do you want to spend.
The place i used to work would sell the range off dealer level stuff for jag ford ( ids) vaux,saab (tech 2) French group ( planet etc) all on one laptop for ~£10k the choice is endless

 

[Serious4play]

Stuart thx for your reply I really want my max to be 5 grand. I found snap on could diagnose a problem but not necessarily pin point it ie if 3 oxygen sensors one faulty but not able to pin point which one so I would like a machine more accurate.

 

[Mursal]

They all have shortfalls, regardless. At the price Snap-On charge, I'd want them to move in with me. Though the Solus does what you ask of it, as long as someone else pays the bill.
Did you consider VAG.com form Ross-Tech, limited I know to VAG stuff, but very well priced.

 

[Belle427]

if you want decent in depth coverage on a lot of vehicles then you will have to buy manufacturer specific software for a laptop such as vag.com.
Personally my money would buy the autel maxidas 708 to start and then maybe a picoscope after that. You wont find many diagnostic machines that will tell you the actual sensor at fault.

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_DS708.html
http://www.picoauto.com/diagnostic-kits.html

 

[Serious4play]

Thx guys you have been all very helpful. Getting a few demos so will let you know the outcome in due course. Cheers.

 

[Belle427]

do report back, i am considering the autel 708 myself at the moment.

 

[Serious4play]

Hi guys quick update demo/tried various tools like snap on, autel, auto boss and launch. And after a lot of questions I bought a Launch x431 euro pad and have to say its a great tool really a pleasure to work with.
My mate had a damaged clio in last week and all his system would tell him was the car was in crash mode nothing else, I plugged in the launch and it threw up 11 fault codes completely diagnosing all faults and parts needed to sort it.
Well worth a look excellent tool.
Hope this helps cheers.