View Full Version : best VAG-COM to get?
kismetcapitan
July 26th, 2011, 09:28
I'm looking at listings on eBay, and can't make heads or tails of any of these things. Is it all a standard software program and a cable, or are there different software versions?
And how about standalone units? I grudgingly own ONE Windows powered netbook, only to talk with the ECUs on my cars and bikes - I'm a diehard Mac user. The less I have to use Windows, the happier my life is.....
bmlee007
July 26th, 2011, 11:19
I hear you on the PC feelings. I'm in the same boat, the only time I turn mine on is to scan the cars. I bought this one from Ross Tech. Unfortunately they don't support Mac.
http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCHUC.html
marklar182
July 26th, 2011, 13:15
I run Parallels on my Macbook w/ XP and have no issues. Or you can use bootcamp and run XP natively.
Go with the genuine Ross-Tech.
JSRS6
July 26th, 2011, 15:34
Exactly, parallels, vmware fusion or bootcamp will do the trick.
I'd like to purchase a VAG tool too, but $350 is a bit more than I was hoping to pay. Then again, I'd rather have the RIGHT tool for the job. Is this what most of you own?
Thanks,
Carbonman
July 26th, 2011, 15:56
Buy the Ross Tech unit - if you're willing to pay for Apple prices for computers, what's the beef paying Ross Tech prices for a good VAG tool?
Jimkrell
July 26th, 2011, 16:38
How effective are the standalone units? Anyone with experience with those? I thought about just getting one to keep with the car.
As far as the pc-interface approach, there are a bunch of cables-only on eBay for $40-150, which is obviously much less than the Ross unit. Is there a difference, or is a cable just a cable?
4everRS
July 26th, 2011, 18:42
If you just want to read codes quickly, then you can get one of the $50 units on ebay that has an lcd screen. Obviously you won't be data logging, or any other technical things with it though.
This is what I keep in the glovebox. I've reset the service engine light with it too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PRO-VW-AUDI-TROUBLE-CODE-READER-OBD-2-II-SCANNER-TOOL-/380357150116?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item588f0d85a4
Jimmy
July 26th, 2011, 20:17
Ross-tech VAG-COM, hands down the best for DIYers... just my 2 cents living with 2 Audis.
Stealership charges $110 for a diagnosis, so I think the Ross-tech will quickly pay for itself. I see the Ross-tech is 'CAN' compatible. Although I have an '02 S6 Avant, my mom has an '08 VW Passat wagon, which I think might be CAN?
Thanks,
Elevens
July 28th, 2011, 18:32
Well now I've seen it all. We all own $60,000 - $85.000 cars and are worried about paying $350.00 for an invaluable tool. If this is a problem, then you have no business owning RS6 or an S6. This is a tool every VAG car owner should have. There is no substitute for the real thing. Just buy it and be done away with it.......................................
Well now I've seen it all. We all own $60,000 - $85.000 cars and are worried about paying $350.00 for an invaluable tool. If this is a problem, then you have no business owning RS6 or an S6.
Easy there
This is a tool every VAG car owner should have. There is no substitute for the real thing. Just buy it and be done away with it.......................................
Thanks. I was simply doing my due diligence and do plan to purchase one. =)
JSRS6
July 28th, 2011, 20:11
Yes, Jeff, the passat is can.
I'm happy to report I've ordered the Ross-Tech (but will now bitch about the $17 shipping fee!). ;-)