I'm looking to buy a good scan tool now that I'm starting to get serious about working on cars.

My school has signs everywhere for the Snap-On MODIS, but that thing is $8k. I was thinking of buying a Tech2, but that will only allow me to work on GM cars.

What'* a good one for $1k or less? Any of those Laptop based things worth the money? I need to be able to have the same functionality that Tech2 or similar would net me so I can actually manipulate the car and not just see a code.

If your looking for progammability and scanning/logging, then Hptuners is your best bet.

http://www.obd-2.com/

i was seriously looking at this,its 240 for everything car wise, new can and all the old vehicles, records data, does bi directional for actuating solenoids for evap troubleshooting, has the man specific pids for cam retard,which is timing on 96-99 vortecs, alot of other man specific stuff, free updates too.

I think what JW posted is more what I'm looking for. I'm just looking for a scanner/diagnostic tool similar to what dealers and shops use. That way I can service my StabiliTrak system which has decided to freak out, or actually bleed the brakes on my Silverado. All of those things require a scanner and usually a Tech2. I'm looking for the same kind of ability without the same kind of cost.

I was looking at http://www.scantool.net and at their ScanXL Pro software. I'm still no well versed enough to know by what they're saying if it can do what I need it to do.

that program you have to buy the pro version then add the gm and if you are going to be working on more than just gms you got to add each seperately, at 89 each. plus i dont see anything about bi directional control which is what you need to do the evap and abs bleeding work you are talking about.

Gotcha.

Did you have any contact with the guys at the site you listed?

Scantool.net does not support bi-directional control. Ie. No abs bleed.

Well poo. Guess JW'* suggestion is the best so far. Can't really beat $240 for everything I need it seems.

no just something i was looking hard at because of all the evap issues i have with my bonnie and my dads 04 silverado, the two way would be real handy when trying to track that down. and there arent very many that specifically list being able to set the timing on my yukon

Nick, i have the standard edition of scantool with gm enhanced. It doesnt do bidirectional, but it does full logging, scan and diagnostics. Look for my sale thread in the lounge somewhere.