$87 OBDII Scanner with professional features. Worth it?

1 year ago
31

I received this Kingbolen Ediag OBD2 scanner for a review. The list price on Amazon is $117 minus $30 discount. An $87 scanner with basic OBD features, vehicle-specific software updates, 15 special functions, and bidirectional controls. Is it worth the money? Let's find out.

The Good:
1. Solid built scanner;
2. Software works on both iPhone and Android phones.
3. Basic OBD functions to scan code, clear code, and real-time generic data such as engine RPM, throttle position, coolant temperature, etc.
4. 15 special reset functions such as oil reset, TPMS reset, etc.

The Great:
1. Vehicle specific modules and specialized features such as to monitor transmission fluid temperature and to put electric parking brake into the service mode.
2. Bi-directional controls that allow you to test and control things from door locks and wipers to the activation of ABS solenoid (for brake bleeding).

The Not So Good:
1. Besides basic OBD features, it offers one-year free subscription for advanced features/software.
2. $80 per year subscription starting second year.

It's a dilemma! Either pay annually for $80 to keep/update software. Or don't subscribe and end up with a basic OBD scanner, which is equivalent to a $20-30 basic scanner.

To compare: XTool D7 which I paid about $400 with 3-year free update for is equivalent of 5 years ownership of this scanner ($87 purchase with 1 year free plus $80/year times 4 years).

KINGBOLEN also offers other models such as K7, K8, K10, which provide free updates for 2-3 years.

Is this Kingbolen Ediag scanner a good deal? It really depends on your need and plan to use it. I am curious about your thoughts and comments below.

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