First off, as a noob here, I'd like to commend the mods for the great job they do. This is clearly a tight, well run and very informative forum, and has already helped me quite a bit by just reading relevant threads.

That said, my 117K mile 1996 SE has reached the point where codes are popping up here and there, and I need a dtc scanner for sure. Don't want to run to an Autozone or similar just to have them read before I commence my parts changing! In this board'* experience, is there any brand I should go with or stay away from? Are the enhanced readers that give a text display and other info worth it? I have read and used the code list here, but maybe the upgraded scanner is worth it. Lots of Actrons on eBay, looks like $45 American will do it...thanks for your comments.

CAN Bus Universal OBD II OBD 2 Code Scanner /Reader NEW:eBay Motors (item 190342732239 end time Oct-22-09 17:15:00 PDT)

If you are going to be modifying your engine you need to scan for things like knock retard, which the inexpensive scanners won't do. If you simply want to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTC'*) I use one of these and it works fine for $36 including shipping:

OBD II SCANNER OBD2 2 SCAN TOOL CODE READER OBDII ENHAN:eBay Motors (item 200394603427 end time Oct-24-09 17:05:45 PDT)

I also have an LS1M scanner which is basically a Palm PDA with a custom program and a cable to connect to the OBD port. It is capable of reading numerous engine parameters such as knock retard. Do a google on LS1M scanner and you will see it.

Beyond that, you get into tuners, which not only read codes and operating conditions, but also let you adjust settings. Those are fairly pricey.

So the bottom line is, what are you going to use the scanner for?

Please add your year and trim of your vehicle to your signature line. That way when you start asking questions in other areas of the forum, we all have a better idea on how to assist you. Click on "Quick Links" above, go down to "User Control Panel" and then click on "Edit your Signature" It'* pretty straight forward from there.

Your going to need to ask yourself a few questions first. Not planning to do much performance wise, a standard scanner will work. This will give you the DTC code and you just look up the description.

Planning to do some miner performance mods, look at a aeroforce scan gauge or something like that. This will give you enhanced codes, something a basic scanner wont do. Will still need to look up the codes.

Laptop software, autoenginuity is nice, but cost extra for enhanced. For the price, get the HPtuner scanner, you can then upgrade to the tuning package if you wish. The price is high, $500, but is simply the best money you can spend if your going for performance. Keep in mind though, this software is for 97+

No performance mods planned, I'm just looking for a reliable tool for diagnosing trouble codes as they inevitably pop up in the future- something that'll point me in the right direction. Therefore, I don't need a sophistcated reader intended for professional use.

Then the Ebay one for $36 should work for you.