I am looking to purchase a scanner for troubleshooting my own car.
The cheapo code readers offer no sensor read-out data.
The mid-priced ones give data but cannot do ABS or PCM codes.
The Snap-on is well spoken of, but expen$ive.
I was looking at used ones on E-Bay.
Anyone have any experience buying a used one?
Since my car is a 1995, there should be shops updating their 10 year old equipment.

:feedback:
Someone must have some experience with this.
I lost my access to the GM Tech II when I retired.
That's what you get for 27 years service.

theres always this:

http://www.obd2.com/index_home.html

I'd buy it but I'm too cheap to pay $350

Jed Rule...don't forget you (like me)probably have OBD1, and I haven't seen much out there that's inexpensive for this. Plus OBD2 has more depth to it's diagnostics, and cheap, plentiful code readers. May be a supply and demand thing...

I bought a used Snap-On scanner and cartridge on EBay. I'll post a test drive when it arrives.

The used Snap-On scanner I bought was actually not expensive because a lot of professionals are trading up to newer equipment and the pre 1997 stuff winds up on line. There's a guy in Wisconsin who specializes in used scanners. I needed the OBD II connector with a special key for OBD I readouts.
The unit works very well and I will probably get in an accident driving around watching my data readings rather than the road.
I just can't wait for my check engine lite to come on now. :screwy:

Hey jed rule i got a 1995 lumina and was wondering what type of OBD scanner u got. im looking ot purchase one. ty for help.

I got the Snap-On MT2500 with cartridges and cables just for my PA. It will test ECM and ABS codes. There is a guy on E-Bay who has lots of these units but all the parts are bid individually. You might find a complete unit but it will probably go for over $400. I have seen the X-Ray 6000 advertised, but it goes for $600. I don't know if that kind of expense is justifiable (unless you have LOTS of problems with your car) but I prefer to do the troubleshooting myself. I have a pretty good background in diagnosis as I worked as a GM service advisor for 27 years. A shop manual is a MUST to interpret to read-outs.

jed rule....please email me fixthatcat@yahoo.com
i cant find my heater core,and im ready to pull the complete dash off

your the only one w/the knowledge

Anybody know if this program/interface will work with a 91 PA?

http://winaldl.joby.se/

As far as I know, it should work, but it requires a little tweaking. The problem is that each ECM puts out a different data stream that needs a different definition file to decode the stream. I found a candidate data stream and tried to create a definition file for my '90, but as of yet, I have not gotten it to work. All we need to do is get one file working and then everyone can share ;)