For car owners looking to go beyond basic check engine light diagnostics, a deeper dive into your vehicle’s computer system requires a more capable OBD2 scanner. While inexpensive Bluetooth ELM327 dongles paired with phone apps have their place, they often fall short when it comes to accessing non-OBDII systems, like reading oil levels directly, although they can report issues with the oil level sensor itself. If you were in the market around 2017 for a scanner that offered excellent value and potentially compatibility with Android devices for data display or app integration (though direct Android scanner functionality varies), you’d need to consider options that balanced price and capability.
Stepping up from basic tools, the Autel DiagLink, priced around $90-$100, presents itself as an entry into more advanced diagnostics. Its key advantage at this price point is its ability to interact with non-OBDII systems for a specific car brand. The catch? It’s designed for a single brand of vehicle. You choose one brand during setup, receiving brand-specific software. For DIY mechanics heavily invested in a single car brand, the DiagLink offered a compelling value proposition. It could perform tasks often unavailable in cheaper scanners, such as resetting oil change lights or operating electric parking brakes for servicing, within its chosen brand ecosystem. Adding software for another brand was possible for a relatively small fee, making it expandable, but initially focused on one marque.
For those needing broader coverage across multiple car brands, the Autel MD806, typically around $200, emerged as a strong contender for best value. While likely sharing similar internal hardware with the DiagLink, the MD806 distinguishes itself with software supporting multiple brands without the need for separate software downloads per brand. Furthermore, it boasted free “lifetime” software updates, a significant advantage, although “lifetime” realistically refers to the product’s support lifespan. The MD806 became a popular choice for home mechanics and enthusiasts needing a versatile tool capable of handling a wider range of vehicles and diagnostic tasks. For anyone seeking a balance of professional-level features without exorbitant cost, particularly if you envisioned using it across different car brands, the Autel MD806 represented, and continues to represent, excellent value in the scan tool market. It delivers the functionality most users require, bridging the gap between basic code readers and professional, high-end diagnostic systems.
