Soliciting input on handheld OBD2 scanners

[95_togo]

Looking for a good multi make/model handheld OBD2 scanner that we can use for all the Chevy’s in the family, plus the ford’s, dodges, Nissan’s Toyotas and Mercedes! 
i have a unique opportunity until the end of the month to make purchases at AliExpress and eBay that will allow me to get a “full rebate” (in crypto) so I decided it’s time to get a GOOD OBD2 scanner that will work on everyone’s cars in the family! 
 

looking for something that will read and reset all the basics plus the advanced stuff like wheel speed sensors and everything in between, perhaps program keys and TPMS if necessary!  I’m led to believe that the cheap scanners won’t read a lot of this stuff, and I assume a Tech 2 scanner would be GM only and way over the amount I want to spend, even though I’m basically getting it for free. Ideally I’d like to keep it under $500 but still get a feature rich scanner (and hopefully without subscriptions for additional features!). 
 

So let’s see your recommendations for things I can get at eBay or AliExpress 

TIA

Edited October 4, 2022 by 95_togo
Adding text

[swathdiver]

Tech-2 works for 2013 and older GM cars mostly.  It is the dealer level scan tool used for diagnostics, programming and repairs.  They usually pay for themselves after the first use.  

 

You might consider a Snap-On Solus if you want to use it on most brands and I don't think $500 is going to get you there but such is not my specialty.

[Steven Schnelz]

I bought a Foxwell 604 Elite. It won't do some things but is good for most diagnostic purposes. That being said, they make higher end units that do those things. Foxwell provides forever updates for free and the product seems to be of good quality. I only paid about $135 but for $400 you should be able to get everything you need.

[BigBadSierra]

I've seen allot of people going with the TopDon stuff.

[Couress]

On 10/4/2022 at 4:08 AM, 95_togo said:

Looking for a good multi make/model handheld OBD2 scanner that we can use for all the Chevy’s in the family, plus the ford’s, dodges, Nissan’s Toyotas and Mercedes! 
i have a unique opportunity until the end of the month to make purchases at AliExpress and eBay that will allow me to get a “full rebate” (in crypto) so I decided it’s time to get a GOOD OBD2 scanner that will work on everyone’s cars in the family! 
 

looking for something that will read and reset all the basics plus the advanced stuff like wheel speed sensors and everything in between, perhaps program keys and TPMS if necessary!  I’m led to believe that the cheap scanners won’t read a lot of this stuff, and I assume a Tech 2 scanner would be GM only and way over the amount I want to spend, even though I’m basically getting it for free. Ideally I’d like to keep it under $500 but still get a feature rich scanner (and hopefully without subscriptions for additional features!). 
 

So let’s see your recommendations for things I can get at eBay or AliExpress 

TIA

That "full rebate" (in crypto) on AliExpress and eBay sounds like a great opportunity to snag a scanner for your family's vehicles! While a single scanner won't magically diagnose everything under the sun, there are some excellent multi-make scanners that cover a wide range of vehicles, including Chevys, Fords, Dodges, Nissans, Toyotas, and even Mercedes!

Here's the key thing to remember: car manufacturers can use different protocols to communicate with the OBD2 system(read more here). So, a scanner might work flawlessly on a Ford and struggle with a Chevy.  The good news is there are scanners that are champions at working across multiple brands.