Interested in a scan tool. Autel maybe??

I want to upgrade to an budget entry level bidirectional one. (Not just a code reader.) Autel seems to be good but there are so many models. I am looking for one that can do TPMS. BT is not really needed. Reading the sensor of course is mandatory. Key programming a plus, but I know a lot of new stuff needs internet access. Not going that far. Autel MK808S-TS looks like what I need. Battery testing would be a plus. Vin reading for auto setup would be nice. Any other ideas?



I probably won't be doing any upgrades. At least for a while. By that time I might be into another unit.

Innova 5512, works OK for me.

Innova 5512, works OK for me.


It looks like the 5610 is the upgraded version with the bidirectional scanning. Still a good price.

Bidirectional affords much further checking of critical components, but not all functions are available on all vehicles.

I'm starting to migrate away from Autel. I started with an OTC Genisys many years ago, until it needed updates and every system had it's own fee. I then switched to Autel, and found it was nearly less expensive to purchase a new scan tool than to upgrade, also considering the processor speed, and features. My Autel MS906BT is around $500 to update, and now I can't even access my 2018 Dodge Charger without having a current update subscription. So I recently purchased both a Thinkcar as well as a Launch x431. The Launch updates are more reasonable priced than the Autel, but the Thinkcar supposedly has lifetime updates included, not to mention it cost less than the cost to update my Autel for 1 year. All three are compatible with the AutoAuth for my Stellantis products.

The Autel is definitely the most refined of the three, and I kind of prefer the menu structure of it. But from a feature perspective, I haven't really found anything yet that the Autel can do that the Launch and Thinkcar cannot. The Launch and Thinkcar almost seem like they are running the same basic diagnostic software with just some differences in the GUI. They even have some of the same awkward English. The Autel translations are not perfect, but they are better than both the Launch and Thinkcar. The only real think the Launch has that the Thinkcar does not is the CAN network topology feature, and that is a nice, useful feature with newer cars. But other than that, the Thinkcar is my go-to device now. The smaller size is quite convenient and it still feels very solid. I also REALLY like that the Bluetooth dongle docks magnetically to the back of the tool when not in use.

The Launch also can integrate with their very handy battery tester, but the phone app for the tester is actually more convenient since my phone is pretty much always powered on, but I store my Launch powered down.

So I'm still very impressed with Autel and they have a good product, but the cost to keep it updated is causing it to fall out of favor with me since I'm a DIY'er and I really never recover the cost of the updates.

One other thing that I'll caution about the Launch - it advertises a lot more capability than it currently has implemented. I've come across several "features" that when I attempt to access reports something to the affect that "this feature is still under development." Will they be available before my included updates expire? I guess we'll see.

-Rod

So I'm still very impressed with Autel and they have a good product, but the cost to keep it updated is causing it to fall out of favor with me since I'm a DIY'er and I really never recover the cost of the updates.
-Rod


Thanks for the info... More info than I seemed to find on the net.



I am in the same boat. I am an advanced DIYer. And probably not doing the updates. Just my Actron code scanner is so very limited any more.



Can you tell me is there much of a difference between the Autel 800 and 900 series? I cannot see much of a difference besides cost? Most of the 900s seem to be close to $1000.


The more I look the Autel MK808S-TS seems to be filling in what I am looking for. I see they offer a 2024 version for a good $100 less than the 2025 version. But that is one update newer. Just like anything electronic, the longer you wait the better the tech gets.

but the Thinkcar supposedly has lifetime updates included,
-Rod


I am also wondering if they are free updates, they may not be as good since you are not paying developers to keep up on the technology. Just my guess.


I will look them over. Thx

I don't have any directly experience with the 800 series Autels. I went from a 700 to the 900. I will say the 900 was a very big improvement over the 700. The 700 felt more like someone would expect when they hear "Chinese" - the plastic felt cheaper, the ergonomics were not great, the translations were often confusing, and there was noticeable lag. All those issues were greatly improved on the 906BT. The differences between the 906BT and the Autel x431 and Thinkcar are less extreme. An up-to-date 906BT would still be quite competitive, although without the network topology mapping.

As for the lifetime updates, we shall see. With as similar as the OS and logistics are to the Launch, as well as several of the other up-and-coming Autel competitors, it wouldn't surprise me if there is some large database these companies are all pulling from, and as Thinkcar gets more established, they'll start charging for updates like all of their competitors. Hopefully they grand-father in all of us early-adopters if that proves out.

-Rod

As for the lifetime updates, we shall see. With as similar as the OS and logistics are to the Launch, as well as several of the other up-and-coming Autel competitors, it wouldn't surprise me if there is some large database these companies are all pulling from, and as Thinkcar gets more established, they'll start charging for updates like all of their competitors. Hopefully they grand-father in all of us early-adopters if that proves out.

-Rod


They could be getting the data from the same place.


One thing I seen with items with lifetime support. Once the model gets superseded, it doesn't get any more updates. Older scan tools, windows on computers, computer hardware, GPS units, cell phones. They may still work, but get bumped out by new units. That also goes for paid updates.

And honestly, for the price of the Thinkcar if that ends up being the case, I don't think I'll be too upset. It was the Thinkcar Thinkscan 869BT from AliExpress and shipped to my door it cost less than the price of a 1 year update to the Autel.

You might also want to look into Otofix. It's made by Autel but if I recall correctly, it's from their Chinese team and Autel is a bit upset because Otofix is generally undercutting Autel on price for essentially the same hardware. I haven't dug into it too much, but it does seem like an intriguing option.

-Rod

I bought the Autel MaxiCOM MK900-BT last year, and it does a whole lot of diagnosing. I like the Bluetooth feature because it allows me to walk around with the unit.

I bought the Autel MaxiCOM MK900-BT last year, and it does a whole lot of diagnosing.


Do you know how that compares to an Autel MK808S-TS? I know the TS is for TPMS testing. but I can't get a clear idea the difference between the 800 and 900 series.

Do you know how that compares to an Autel MK808S-TS? I know the TS is for TPMS testing. but I can't get a clear idea the difference between the 800 and 900 series.

https://www.diagmart.com/blogs/autel-vs/autel-maxicom-mk900-ts-vs-mk900-bt-vs-ts900-vs-mx808s-ts-comparison?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzPy8BhBoEiwAbnM9Ow-QAOKICmanjkmFS37qntX7fivnIQ3aJaLSSRDalgZLPaaupi_2l xoCXnkQAvD_BwE

I've had reasonable success with the cReader from Launch from 2013. I got my last update in May of last year, and should be doing it again this May. Updates have been a free download for me, possibly due to the "Right to Repair" legislation and customer service. It does not invoke TPMS modes, but will do ABS, engine and chassis re-learns, and various other functions to at least some degree.

https://www.diagmart.com/blogs/autel-vs/autel-maxicom-mk900-ts-vs-mk900-bt-vs-ts900-vs-mx808s-ts-comparison?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzPy8BhBoEiwAbnM9Ow-QAOKICmanjkmFS37qntX7fivnIQ3aJaLSSRDalgZLPaaupi_2l xoCXnkQAvD_BwE


That answers it. The 900 series has DOIP. Internet diagnostics. I guess I really do not need that for the extra few hundred. So the 808s-ts looks like the way to go. I will have to search for a good deal. Thx


BTW Wondering why I was not getting replies and found a whole bunch stuck in my spam folder.