Looking for OBD2 suggestions

Hey everyone. I’m looking for suggestions, from anyone who has experience with the high-end OBD readers that do it all (the touchscreen style). My cousin deserves a bad ass gift from me this year for his birthday so I want to do my due diligence to find the best one for him (yes, I’m aware they cost $1200-2000). Between him and his family, they drive Chevy, Dodge, Tundra and recently a new Nissan Titan. The Chevy he drives is a 2016 diesel duramax I believe so I want to get him one that works well with diesels also. A review of one I came across mentioned “not good with GM vehicles” so that’s what I’m trying to avoid along with any info like which of them include updates with the purchase and whatnot. Thanks for any feedback!! Hope everyone’s Toyoders are running strong as ever as the odometer keeps adding!!

 

@Dm93

 

I know it isn't exactly what you described but I love BlueDriver. It uses your smartphone and connects via Bluetooth and gives you a ton of information. It's also way cheaper than the $1200 than you mentioned.

 

Ok cool. Thanks, I appreciate it. Does it have the function, for example on a newer diesel, where it tells the vehicle to do a forced "egr regeneration" and makes the vehicle idle up and all that? My cousin is fairly handy around vehicles (he's done engine swaps and transmission swaps) So he will definitely benefit from readers that have advanced functions. I'll do some research. Thanks again!

 

At that pricepoint you can easily get about as close to OE level as your going to get with an aftermarket tool.
There are some great deals on Amazon right now on scan tools, Ivan (Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics) just posted a video with some of his favorites.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZRcAL--4R0

Just a few notes on aftermarket scanners:

Just because it has a function or data PID doesn't always mean it works properly or is correct so if something seems out of place take it with a grain of salt.

Each tool on each vehicle is different, some work better than others. You really don't know until you connect to it how well it's going to work.

2018 (& some as early as 2016)+ Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles have a secure gateway that requires a subscription ($50/year) & connection to AutoAuth to do anything other than read codes and data so if you have a 2018+ Chrysler (Stellantis) product make sure whatever you get supports AutoAuth (Autel, Launch, & SnapOn tools do (although you have to keep your software subscription current to use it), some of the clones are currently in limbo with supporting it).


I also have a little discussion about the scan tools (and other tools) I have and am familiar with in the 2 threads below.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-temp-detect-mode-when-changing-fluid.799479/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-information-diagnostics.784008/

The BlueDriver only does engine/transmission codes & data as far as I can tell, no bi-directional controls or all systems support.
The Topdon TopScan and ThinkDiag are both bluetooth dongles in the same pricepoint (although they do need a yearly subscription) and do all systems and bi-directional controls.

$54 TOPDON TopScan Lite OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, Bi-Directional Scanner Wireless All System Diagnostic Tool for iOS & Android, FCA AutoAuth, 8+ Hot Reset, Repair Guides, Car Code Reader, Performance Test

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3QQYQ1B

$94 Thinkdiag OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, Full System Bidirectional Diagnostic Scan Tool OE-Level Code Reader with ECU Coding,15+ Reset Service, FCA AutoAuth, All Software 1 Year Update Fits for iOS & Android

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YWTJY4F

 

That I'm not sure because I don't own a diesel. It does everything I've ever needed it for that is available through OBDII. But it was more of an idea for you to check out and research since I don't know your exact needs.

 

Oh nice. I have a while before I need to make any sort of decision so I'll use all that you gave me and see what I can decide on! Thanks!

 

Yeah I'll have to just read up, ultimately. Any sense of direction to go in is a big help though so thanks again.

 

I've been happy with this one. Not the cheapest, but you get various make specific pids and a good app for free. Connects with most stuff, but not familiar with what you want to do.
https://www.obdlink.com/