Code Scanners - Actron vs Auto Xray - Opinions Please !!!

[Peter]

I've been trying to figure out which engine scanner to purchase and have looked
at both Actron and Auto Xray. I already own an earlier model Auto Xray.


With Auto Xray... it seems that they kill you with upgrades for everything.... I first
picked up a GM OBDI and it scanned and monitored GM ODBI . Then I went
ahead an purchased the Pro Pak which provided ODBI for GM, Ford and
Chrysler PLUS OBDII Generic Code.

After sinking about 400.00 into the ProPak it seems that Auto Xray now wants
another $150.00 for manufacturer specific codes... and quite a few additional
bucks for the newer CAN specifications.

Auto Xray's Top of the Line model runs anywhere from 575. to 700.

Quite a chunk of $$ for a DIY'r doing maintenance on 3 cars.


Actron seems to have the same capabilty for about half the price. I can get
the OBDI's for 30.00 each....and the OBDII with manufacturer specific codes
for about 280.00 (vs 550. for autoxray).

Has anyone used either Actron or Autoxray... which would be better for the
home DIY'r (not even a shade tree mechanic mind you), who enjoys working
on cars, but doesn't have the need or budget for professional tools.

Thanks !!

Peter

[Steve Mackie]

I just priced out an Autoxray EzRead 2000 at $399CDN at PartSource. It does
everything;

EZ-READ 2000
The EZ-READ Advanced Code Reader is the most user-friendly, cost-efficient,
and portable OBD-I & OBDII Code Reader available. With an EZ-READ 2000 users
can access the same information dealers use on '83 and newer Domestic and
'96 and newer Import vehicles. Comprehensive features include: show trouble
and pending codes in English, resets check engine light. It's affordability,
and abundant features make the EZREAD 2000 the ideal personal tool kit for
DIYer's.

FEATURES
Supports multiple trouble code requests, generic codes, pending codes,
enhanced codes
On screen display of OBD-I trouble codes, OBD-II generic and OBD-II
manufacturer specific codes.
Displays Readiness Test Status
Reset Check Engine Lights
Internet Upgradeable

VEHICLE COVERAGE
GM '82 - Current Year (12 & 16 pin ALDL and OBD-II)
Ford '83 - Current Year (EEC IV and OBD-II)
Chrysler '83 - Current Year (SCI and OBD-II)
Jeep '91- Current Year (SCI and OBD-II)
Toyota '96 - Current Year (OBD-II)
Honda '96 - Current Year (OBD-II)
NISSAN '96 - Current Year (OBD-II)
All other Asian and European '96 - Current Year ( OBD-II)

CONTENTS
2000 Code reader
GM OBD-I Cable
Ford OBD-I Cable
Chrysler OBD-I Cable
OBD-II Cable
Case
Users Manual
Reg. Card
Box Sleeve

I personnally think the EzScan 6000 is the tool to get, it's only $999CDN.

Steve

Post by Peter
I've been trying to figure out which engine scanner to purchase and have looked
at both Actron and Auto Xray. I already own an earlier model Auto Xray.
With Auto Xray... it seems that they kill you with upgrades for everything.... I first
picked up a GM OBDI and it scanned and monitored GM ODBI . Then I went
ahead an purchased the Pro Pak which provided ODBI for GM, Ford and
Chrysler PLUS OBDII Generic Code.
After sinking about 400.00 into the ProPak it seems that Auto Xray now wants
another $150.00 for manufacturer specific codes... and quite a few additional
bucks for the newer CAN specifications.
Auto Xray's Top of the Line model runs anywhere from 575. to 700.
Quite a chunk of $$ for a DIY'r doing maintenance on 3 cars.
Actron seems to have the same capabilty for about half the price. I can get
the OBDI's for 30.00 each....and the OBDII with manufacturer specific codes
for about 280.00 (vs 550. for autoxray).
Has anyone used either Actron or Autoxray... which would be better for the
home DIY'r (not even a shade tree mechanic mind you), who enjoys working
on cars, but doesn't have the need or budget for professional tools.
Thanks !!
Peter

[wyoung]

I purchased the AutoXray EZ Scan 5000. It had all the adapters and
case. I am also a BY machanic. The scanner is easy to set up and use.
I purchased it from AutoBarn.com for $399. Shipping was free, do not
remember if there was tax. Also got EZ-PC 500 (FREE) ($85 extra). I
just checked the site and the deal is still available. It was a good
buying experience and they delivered everything on time. Hope the
info. helps.

Warren

[Peter]

Post by wyoung
I purchased the AutoXray EZ Scan 5000. It had all the adapters and
case. I am also a BY machanic. The scanner is easy to set up and use.
I purchased it from AutoBarn.com for $399. Shipping was free, do not
remember if there was tax. Also got EZ-PC 500 (FREE) ($85 extra). I
just checked the site and the deal is still available. It was a good
buying experience and they delivered everything on time. Hope the
info. helps.
Warren

I noticed on the www.autoxray.com site that the EZ Scan 5000 does
not have the enhanced error codes for Ford GM and Chrysler. Seems
that autoxray will charge you another $150.00 to upgrade.


The Actron CP9150 has all the functionality of the EZ Scan 6000....ie
OBDI, Generic OBDII for all domestic and asian cars PLUS includes
support for all the enhanced codes for GM Ford Chrysler and Toyota.

The Advance Auto Price for the CP9150 was 380.00... which makes
it alot cheaper than the autoxray for the same performance.

btw you did get a good deal on the 5000 as AutoXray charges 529.00
for the 5000 AND an additional 85.00 for the PC 5000. EZLink software

That's why I'm curious about autoxray versus actron. Seems that Actron
has prices about 1/3 less or more than autoxray, but all equipment is
basically about the same according to the web site information.

Just trying to determine if I should buy Actron and spend all my $$$ up front or
continue to be nickel and dimed to death by autoxray

Thanks for your help !!!

Peter

[Peter]

FWIW: amazon.com lists both the autoxray and actron scanners on their site.

The AutoXray 6000 scan is being sold for 482.00 vs 700.00 from Auto Xray
The Actron CP6150 (equiv to the AutoXray6000) is 330.00

I've looked at the sales data and asked a few support questions from Actron...it
seems that the ACTRON CP9150 and AutoXray EZ-SCAN 6000 are very similiar.
(but as noted the Actron is about half the price of a AutoXray).

Actron has excellent customer service support. AutoXray support seems to be
non-existant.... from my own experience and from that of another person.

I'm beginning to think that the Actron is a much better deal price, upgrade and
support wise than the autoxray.... but I've never used an Actron scanner to test it's
durability or keypad layout.

I know the AutoXray has a good feel of durability to it... I've only used it a dozen
times over the past three years... but it seems solid.. Just wish it had a 'back'
or 'home' button so that I don't have to continuously fumble to get back to a main
screen.

Any tech's out there that use an Actron Scanner ??? I'd be interested in hearing
your opinions !!!

Thanks in advance

Peter

Post by Peter
Has anyone used either Actron or Autoxray... which would be better for the
home DIY'r (not even a shade tree mechanic mind you), who enjoys working
on cars, but doesn't have the need or budget for professional tools.
Thanks !!
Peter