this post was submitted on 22 Sep 2025
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Cars - For Car Enthusiasts
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If you just need a scanner to get and clear the codes, grab the cheapest one you can find. No point in spending the extra money on one that connects to the Internet and/or diagnoses your codes if you are mildly competent at using a search engine yourself.
Agreed especially if they're just going to take it to a mechanic. Clearing the codes is just going to make their job a little bit harder.
I won't clear any codes, just write them down.
I still use an ancient Matco I bought off some random guy in the late 90s. It does two things: reads codes, erases them.
I still use it for all my quick needs. No batteries, no app, no updates, just plug it in and go.
I have a Launch full featured scan tool, but it is always running updates, and I never remember to charge it. Good for more detailed diagnostics, but my old Matco is always there for me.
Unless you're doing the diagnosis and repairs yourself, get the simplest one you can find.