Had to choose between a used Snap-on scan tool or a new Autel last month

I went with the Autel because it was half the price and covered more makes, but now I'm wondering if the Snap-on would have saved me time on that one weird Ford code I spent 3 hours chasing, has anyone else regretted skipping the pricier brand?

2 comments

2 Comments

wrenstone1mo ago

You heard that story about the guy with the EV diagnosis, right? My buddy Marcus bought a used Snap-on last year and swears by it for German cars specifically, but he also spent two weekends straight trying to figure out a simple ABS bleed procedure on his neighbor's Honda because the Snap-on didn't have the right software update (and getting that update is a whole other headache). Meanwhile, another pal of mine grabbed an Autel for his side gig and has only ever complained once, when it couldn't communicate with an ancient Volvo from 2004. It really feels like a luck of the draw based on what random junk rolls into your driveway, not a clear winner.

anthony_fox901mo ago

Funny you mention that, I actually read a post on another forum where a guy said his Snap-on paid for itself in one weird EV diagnosis that would've taken him all day without it. But then again, I've also heard plenty of people say their Autel does 90% of the same stuff for way less, so it's a tradeoff either way.