VAG-COM cable worth?

TDI_SC · Oct 30, 2017

I'm out of the TDI/VW, what's that cable worth on the used market?

" VCDS License with Micro-CAN Unlimited VIN (most VW '05.5 to current) "

Thanks,

TDI_SC

jef@rosstech · Nov 1, 2017

A used interface is worth what some one will pay for it. But with us now selling new units starting at $199, the older used interfaces are not selling for as much as they use to. Also note that the software license is not transferable from one person to the next:

https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VUDOT

This doesn't prevent a person from using a second hand Ross-Tech interface, but as such, they are not a Ross-Tech customer and would not get any support unless they purchase the software license.

tadawson · Nov 1, 2017

Not to argue with Jeff, but note that the older units are not VIN limited, whereas (unless there has been a change I missed) the $199 unit does have limits. For one person, likely not an issue, but it's there, just the same . . .

BobnOH · Nov 1, 2017

Plus some, at least the KII-USB like I have, have firmware license, so the only thing you (or the new owner) wouldn't get is support. Should still be able to update, afaik.
In my experience I usually get 1/2 to 2/3 of new value for such items.

TDI_SC · Nov 7, 2017

Thanks for the info, guys!

TDI_SC

Nevada_TDI · Nov 8, 2017

I have one of the older, non-VIN lockout units. When I first got my unit I did call Ross-Tech a few times, but with the wealth of info out on the internet and here at TDI Club, I haven't sent Ross-Tech an email or phoned to ask a question in a long time. I will plead ignorance to the new units as to how the VIN lockout works; it is my understanding that not all of the functions have VIN required inputs, but apparently the "important" ones do.
I bought the more expensive cable as my sole intent was to scan my own vehicle and anybody else that needed theirs done as well even if they did not own an ALH.

993er · Nov 8, 2017

jef@rosstech said:
But with us now selling new units starting at $199, the older used interfaces are not selling for as much as they use to.

In FACT, they are selling for more because they are not VIN limited.

I got $340 for my VCDS HEX-USB+CAN diagnostic tool simply for that reason.

aja8888 · Nov 8, 2017

993er said:
In FACT, they are selling for more because they are not VIN limited.

I got $340 for my VCDS HEX-USB+CAN diagnostic tool simply for that reason.

I have to agree with this. My VCDS HEX-USB+CAN unit is not VIN limited and if I ever sell it, I should be able to sell it at near what I bought it for.

jef@rosstech · Nov 8, 2017

Well, to be honest, there was a time our Ross-Tech interfaces were selling for more than what we were selling them for:

https://i.imgur.com/gQmhXt0.jpg

So $380 for a used item that sold for $349 new....

Also, just a FYI on our current generation of enthusiast interfaces with the VIN limits... you can read and clear DTCs and look at live data on as many VW/Audi vehicles as you want with them, no VIN lock required for that. It is just the advance functions that require a VIN to be locked in. So if you want to clear codes on a friend's car, no problem. My "Benevolent Dictator" boss has a details about this here:

http://forums.ross-tech.com/showthread.php?8869-VIN-Limited-Interface-FAQ

Regards.

Nevada_TDI · Nov 8, 2017

I agree with the 2 guys above Jef. My cable used is worth way more than one of the brand new "locked VIN" cables. My unlocked VCDS cable is now equal to the Pro version and almost $600.00 when purchased new.

aja8888 · Nov 8, 2017

In defense of Ross Tech, this equipment is the best deal, no matter which cable you have and what you paid for it. I have saved tons of money with mine over 5 or 6 diesels I have owned. And I have bought at least two new cables from Ross Tech.

Abacus · Nov 8, 2017

993er said:
In FACT, they are selling for more because they are not VIN limited.

I got $340 for my VCDS HEX-USB+CAN diagnostic tool simply for that reason.

And that is precisely why I won't get rid of mine anytime soon. But most of the cars it scans are pre-2002 anyway, thus exempt.

BeartheBruce · Nov 10, 2017

I'd like to add one more piece for consideration:

HEX+CAN devices only work through the 2016 model year. I know - not many diesels in 2016/2017.... Dieselgate...

Also, some new features in VCDS (starting with 17.8) will require the new interfaces. We can't make 15 year old designs work with new ideas forever. Wish we could but windmills do not turn in that fashion.

BobnOH · Nov 10, 2017

I believe this thread was really just a FOR SALE sign.
He's likely sold it already.

TDI_SC · Nov 15, 2017

BobnOH said:
I believe this thread was really just a FOR SALE sign.
He's likely sold it already.

Not really. Still trying to figure out how much it's worth. I'll advertise it in the proper forums once I get that figured out.

TDI_SC

TDI_SC · Nov 15, 2017

It's this one, actually: http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/old-interfaces/uC.php

TDI_SC

BobnOH · Nov 15, 2017

TDI_SC said:
Not really. Still trying to figure out how much it's worth. I'll advertise it in the proper forums once I get that figured out.
TDI_SC

Don't they still sell them? There's your base, get whatever you can for it.

TDI_SC · Nov 15, 2017

BobnOH said:
Don't they still sell them? There's your base, get whatever you can for it.

Sure but without knowing what it's worth... hard to come up with a price!

TDI_SC

jef@rosstech · Nov 17, 2017

TDI_SC said:
Sure but without knowing what it's worth... hard to come up with a price!

TDI_SC

As I stated:

A used interface is worth what some one will pay for it.

When your Micro-CAN sold new, it was $250, but we now have new units starting at $199. The VIN limit has been a non issue, 99% of our non professional customers are only dealing with 1 or 2 cars. Plus, reading and clearing fault codes, or viewing live data, does not require a VIN to be locked down, so one can clear codes out of +3 car without issue.

Why not post it in the for sell section and give it 1 week for people to make offers. I've seen cases of people buying used Ross-Tech interfaces for more than what a new unit would of cost them, so maybe you'll get lucky.

JSWTDI09 · Nov 17, 2017

jef@rosstech said:
Why not post it in the for sell section and give it 1 week for people to make offers. I've seen cases of people buying used Ross-Tech interfaces for more than what a new unit would of cost them, so maybe you'll get lucky.

One caveat I would add to this. The for sale classified ads here require stating a price. This is not an auction site. However, the best way to do this would be to state a relatively high a price (maybe $175) and then say OBO (or best offer) and see what happens.

Have Fun!

Don

BobnOH · Nov 17, 2017

Can't tell if he wants us to give a number or just trolling for offers.
I don't see it for sale in the for sale forum.
I say $260.

wild03 · Nov 19, 2017

Quick question,
How do I know if the Micro-CAN I have is VIN locked or not, I believe I bought it in 2010 or so for $250.

Thanks

JSWTDI09 · Nov 19, 2017

wild03 said:
Quick question,
How do I know if the Micro-CAN I have is VIN locked or not, I believe I bought it in 2010 or so for $250.

Thanks

There are no VIN limitations on the older cable interfaces. This includes the MicroCAN interface. There is no VIN lock to worry about.

Have Fun!

Don

P/S/ The advantage to the "classic" cable interfaces is no VIN limits.
The disadvantages to the classic cable interfaces are that they do not support all of the new control modules in some of the higher end Audi/VW cars and they are considerably faster in accessing newer UDS controllers.

wild03 · Nov 19, 2017

JSWTDI09 said:
There are no VIN limitations on the older cable interfaces. This includes the MicroCAN interface. There is no VIN lock to worry about.

Have Fun!

Don

P/S/ The advantage to the "classic" cable interfaces is no VIN limits.
The disadvantages to the classic cable interfaces are that they do not support all of the new control modules in some of the higher end Audi/VW cars and they are considerably faster in accessing newer UDS controllers.

Thanks Don

As helpful as always, I'm gonna miss this crowd, I'm planning on setting buyback appointment soon.

jef@rosstech · Nov 20, 2017

You should totally get a new GTi with an APR tune on it... if you hate tires, you'll love it...

my wife said:
SCREW MPG... GET OUT OF MY WAY!! ARRRRRRRRRG

wild03 · Nov 20, 2017

jef@rosstech said:
You should totally get a new GTi with an APR tune on it... if you hate tires, you'll love it...

Tempting

but I had so many little issues with this Jetta that I might stay away from VW for a while.
Mostly parts falling apart.
Inside door panels peeling off, Roof liner, roof buttons blistering, several rubber parts disintegrating. One door lock motor is dead...
But after the Tune, I loved how it drove and the torque!

will miss that.
I love the awesome mileage when hypermiling and the TORQue when stepping on the pedal. I'm definitely a low RPM and high torque person.

VAG-COM cable worth?

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