VAG-COM OBD SCANNER

[homingcloud_4]

Hello I just bought a hex-v2 scanner usb from a website (https://www.obd2.ltd/) and I am extremely doubting if I should refund it as it didnt ship because of its price (34 US dollars) becuase it looks like a replica from ross tech the original company but that is $200 for 3 VINs but I can not afford it what should I do? And does anyone have good recommendations for other types of higher-level obd scanner like vcds or vag-coms. My jetta has the engine light on the ESP light on and the car with the key on it (Theft protection I think) and the "BRAKE" light flashing and 3 loud beeps when I turn the ignition which is really concering me but it goes away if i turn the car off and on a few times. Please help

 

[juliywann]

Anything manufactured in or shipped from China is a counterfeit and will be problematic. Plus you WILL NOT get support from Ross-Tech (the inverter and manufacturer of the legitimate VCDS (Vag Com Diagnostic System).

Tutuapp 9apps​

 

[TurboABA]

I just bought a hex-v2 scanner usb from a website (https://www.obd2.ltd/)

 

[Nuje]

Yeah - if you're gonna own a 20+yr-old car, you're gonna want VCDS. The real deal.
If you don't have $200 for it, you should've negotiated $200 less on the purchase price of the car because you will need it and it will save you many times more than that.

 

[Vince Waldon]

Right up there with owning 10mm / 13mm / 17mm sockets and wrenches and a T30, if you're going to work on VW TDIs.... gotta have it.

 

[privateTDIjet]

In an effort to save money, you could find someone that could scan it for you with VCDS and figure out what you really need. I had a ESP traction control light on for over a year and all it needed was basic settings. 30$ later at a mechanic it was gone.

 

[TurboABA]

I literally don't understand why some many people don't invest the little it takes to have VCDS. The amount of money and headaches it saves you both during a pre-purchase inspection and during ownership, cannot be possibly matched by anything. You literally use it as part of preventative maintenance as well.... if you have any intention of wrenching on your own vehicle, or just simply to "not be taken to the cleaners" when you take your ride in for servicing somewhere else, you cannot afford to not have it.

And NO, I do not work for RT, nor am I being compensated to type this! (but I am a VCDS fanboi)

 

[Vince Waldon]

And if you ever part ways with your VW you'll be able to get most of your money back selling your VCDS to the next VW home-wrencher.

 

[TurboABA]

And if you ever part ways with your VW you'll be able to get most of your money back selling your VCDS to the next VW home-wrencher.

Not if the new buyer is up to speed on what it costs to really get the most out of a "2nd hand" interface.

 

[P2B]

Not if the new buyer is up to speed on what it costs to really get the most out of a "2nd hand" interface.

I have never needed the vendor support that is included with a new interface but must be purchased separately by subsequent owners, assuming that's what you are alluding to.

 

[TurboABA]

I have never needed the vendor support that is included with a new interface but must be purchased separately by subsequent owners, assuming that's what you are alluding to.

I'm just stating facts.
It is dumb to pay almost full price for a 2nd hand interface while giving up "benefits" that come with buying a new one.
You're not only giving up "support" if you ever do need it, but you're also giving up other "perks" such as being a verified customer and having unrestricted access to the RT support forums where you can receive help just like you do on here or any other platform specific forum...... plus there's the potential eventuality where you might want to upgrade in the future from your current limited interface to unlimited or whatever the modern version is at that time interface, which can suck significantly.

For example, I old a "legacy" interface, that I got 2nd hand, and even though I can use it on both my current TDIs, it does have limitations. I am unable to "trade up" for a better, more modern interface that would also work on newer vehicles on top of unlocking more potential as a result.

Of course, all of this doesn't matter if you're the type of user that just want to blow away the codes so that the MIL is off during your next drive and that's basically all you want to use it for

 

[P2B]

Fact check

I'm just stating facts.
It is dumb to pay almost full price for a 2nd hand interface while giving up "benefits" that come with buying a new one.
You're not only giving up "support" if you ever do need it, but you're also giving up other "perks" such as being a verified customer and having unrestricted access to the RT support forums where you can receive help just like you do on here or any other platform specific forum...... plus there's the potential eventuality where you might want to upgrade in the future from your current limited interface to unlimited or whatever the modern version is at that time interface, which can suck significantly.

For example, I old a "legacy" interface, that I got 2nd hand, and even though I can use it on both my current TDIs, it does have limitations. I am unable to "trade up" for a better, more modern interface that would also work on newer vehicles on top of unlocking more potential as a result.

Of course, all of this doesn't matter if you're the type of user that just want to blow away the codes so that the MIL is off during your next drive and that's basically all you want to use it for

Fact check: My KEY-USB interface (purchased new from Ross-tech back when crossing the border didn't double the price) is not eligible for upgrade.

If I owned a HEX+CAN interface, I could upgrade it to HEX-NET for only $50 + return shipping more than simply buying a new HEX-NET. Granted I would receive an additional 7 VINS with the upgrade, but if I didn't need them I would be better off selling my existing interface.

Trade HEX+CAN | Ross-Tech

 

[TurboABA]

Fact check:

Nice try..... make sure you read what I typed.
How about you "fact check" taking into consideration what it will cost you to first "transfer" the ownership from the original purchaser.
After you do all that, let me know what this

to get most of your money back

would equate to in terms of a "discount" when purchasing a 2nd hand interface that would still make the "upgrades" a deal.

 

[P2B]

Nice try..... make sure you read what I typed.
How about you "fact check" taking into consideration what I will cost you to first "transfer" the ownership from the original purchaser.
After you do all that, let me know what this

would equate to in terms of a "discount" when purchasing a 2nd hand interface that would still make the "upgrades" a deal.

My (only) point was the upgrade offer doesn't look like much of a "benefit" when it costs more than just buying a new current interface. I don't imagine they get many takers.

No comment on the odds of recouping one's investment by reselling.

 

[TurboABA]

Perhaps I misunderstood what your point was. Apologies if that's the case.
I was just trying to make people aware that you first need to transfer the ownership over, and then potentially choose the upgrade path if desired or applicable to how you want to use the interface. By that time, all the additional charges would eat up any potential discounts that you would've gotten buying a 2nd hand interface. There are very few scenarios in which the math works out buying a used interface.

VCDS Used Dongle Interface Ownership Transfer | Ross-Tech

 

[P2B]

Perhaps I misunderstood what your point was. Apologies if that's the case.
I was just trying to make people aware that you first need to transfer the ownership over, and then potentially choose the upgrade path if desired or applicable to how you want to use the interface. By that time, all the additional charges would eat up any potential discounts that you would've gotten buying a 2nd hand interface. There are very few scenarios in which the math works out buying a used interface.

VCDS Used Dongle Interface Ownership Transfer | Ross-Tech

I take your point. Last time I looked you could register a used interface for $50. I was not aware of the price increase or the added requirement that the previous owner formally relinquish their ownership rights.