For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is becoming increasingly important. In 2017, Bluetooth OBD2 scanners emerged as a popular tool for accessing your car’s computer system right from your smartphone. While a basic, budget-friendly ELM327 dongle paired with a phone app might seem appealing, it often falls short when you need in-depth diagnostics beyond standard OBDII data. Tasks like checking oil levels or accessing non-OBDII systems require more sophisticated tools. If you were in the market for the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanner in 2017, you were likely exploring options that balanced capability with ease of use.
Stepping up from the most basic scanners, tools like the Autel DiagLink offered a significant leap in functionality for around $100. The DiagLink stood out by providing access to non-OBDII systems, allowing users to perform tasks such as resetting oil change lights and even interacting with electronic parking brakes – features unavailable with generic OBD2 scanners. However, the 2017 version of DiagLink had a key limitation: it was designed to work with only one car brand out of the box. You received brand-specific software for your chosen manufacturer, making it a cost-effective option if you were dedicated to a single brand. While additional brand software could be purchased, this was an important consideration for users with multiple car brands or those anticipating future vehicle changes.
For broader compatibility across different car makes, the Autel MD806 was a notable contender in 2017, typically priced around $200. While potentially utilizing similar hardware to the DiagLink, the MD806’s software offered multi-brand support without the need for separate software purchases for each brand. Furthermore, it often included lifetime software updates, adding long-term value. It’s worth noting that “lifetime” in software terms generally refers to the product’s support lifespan, but for the average user, this provided assurance of ongoing updates and functionality for years after 2017. The MD806, and similar scanners in its class, aimed to deliver a balance of professional-level features suitable for home mechanics without the prohibitive cost of professional garage equipment. These scanners from 2017 represented a sweet spot for users needing more than basic OBDII readings and were considered some of the best values in diagnostic tools at the time, capable of handling most DIY automotive diagnostic needs effectively.
