VCDS Worthwhile?

[Mass. Wine Guy]

I’m facile enough with computers, always been a Mac guy. I’ve learned a lot since buying my burst TDI in 2001, but I’m by no means a car guy or a mechanic.

I just got a 2015!Golf Sportwagen 6-speed. How much would a very basic VCDS setup cost? I’m thinking the software, cable and the cheapest used Chromebook I can find.

My thinking is that I’d be able to understand codes better, change basic stuff like how the steering feels, eliminate stupid passenger seat belt codes, etc.

 

[Mozambiquer]

Vcds is 100% worth it in my experience. I took a lot longer to get it, but once I got it, I realized what I was missing.
Its $199 and can be got from Ross-tech themselves or for free shipping from cascade german or fcpeuro

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

That’s for the software AND cable?

 

[tactdi]

That’s for the software AND cable?

Cost is for the cable, software and updates are no cost as long as you have the Ross-Tech cable.

Ross-Tech: Home

 

[Mozambiquer]

That’s for the software AND cable?

The software is downloaded free from Ross-tech.com and so long as you have a genuine Ross-Tech cable, it works correctly. It's a one time cost, unlike some of the subscription type scan tools or the ones that sell the interface and software separate.

 

[AverageAndy]

YES! One self-done injector change and it will pay for itself. I like the monitoring blocks to follow regens, coolant temps, oil temps, etc. I also took a little longer to get it and feel it is absolutely worth it. The only con is that I have to have a laptop in the car to run it, but others have used tablets.

Bonus -it is also a generic OBDII scanner for most newer vehicles including non-VAG.

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Self done injectors? Not this guy.

 

[pedroYUL]

I don't believe VCDS runs in Chromium, but I might be wrong. Some people, if I recall correctly, had success using bootcamp and stuff like that in Macs

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Ok. Or a cheap, used Windows laptop.

 

[BobnOH]

License is in the cable. You want this one.
Since you bought a newer car you may have for a while, it might be nice to have. But if you're not gonna wrench on it yourself you may not need it, though it's always good for troubleshooting.

 

[Nickmix]

If you are going to work on your car then it is definitely worth it. If not then it will be a waste of money.

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

Ok then. Not a purchase I’ll make.

 

[P2B]

If you are going to work on your car then it is definitely worth it. If not then it will be a waste of money.

I disagree. Even if you don't do your own work, it's very useful for customizing the car to your liking and as a dealership BS detector.

If the OP can read his own codes he can post them here and get knowledgeable and honest opinions as to the likely issue, putting him in a better position to deal with mechanics and service advisors.