Looking for new ODB2 reader

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Jul 10, 2025 | 07:11 AM

BillyBob69

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Lead Driver

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 7,406

Likes: 52

From: Wheatland, Mo

Looking for new ODB2 reader

I have been using the trusty old $40 scanner with my phone and tablet for some time. But as the years go by, we get newer vehicles. Looking for something to cover all of our vehicles.
I was looking at this one.
https://a.co/d/6OJ44L0
Topdon.

Anyone have any experience with this device?
Thanks all!

Jul 10, 2025 | 08:31 AM

empiretc

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 5,250

Likes: 42

purchased a $20 ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner a few years ago and it has worked well on all our vehicles. even the 7.3. but this is really only good for the basics.

Jul 10, 2025 | 08:49 AM

bwguardian

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 2,039

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I was looking to get a reader for the daughters new Audi Q5 TDI. There were two cheaper versions suggested. I looked at both, and the Ancel was the better of the two. Unfortunately it couldn't do everything I wanted so I will be getting the Ross-Tech VCDS for that vehicle. I might pick up the Ancel just to keep in the car since the VCDS is the certified Audi software and computer/laptop based. From what I can tell though, the Ancel seems to be a good choice.

Jul 10, 2025 | 10:44 AM

FordTruckNoob

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 13,124

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From: Henderson, NV

For our trucks there is nothing better than FORScan and an OBDLink MX+.

Jul 10, 2025 | 03:06 PM

empiretc

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 5,250

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bwguardian

have no complaints. for $20 it is great.

have Techstream and a Mongoose cable for the Toyota and that is amazing.

Jul 10, 2025 | 03:53 PM

BillyBob69

Thread Starter

Lead Driver

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 7,406

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From: Wheatland, Mo

So it almost sounds like there is no, "one size fits all" scanner. So then maybe I pick up the Topdon and that can be for the cars and the Bluetooth scanner and forscan i already have for the truck.
Want to be able to read n reset codes, TPMS programming, etc for cars. Read n clear codes for the truck and run data logs as well as buzz tests

Jul 10, 2025 | 05:43 PM

Sous

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 27,354

Likes: 5,946

From: Lake Hartwell, GA

As Leonard said, for our trucks FORScan and OBDLink scan tool is top tier. Moving on to newer and other communication protocols I would select an Autel device that fits my needs.

For now, the OBDLink scan tool comes with an app that has worked well enough to clear codes and what not.