Im looking at buying VAG.com or a code reader atleast. After being directed onto gendan.co.uk i see they sell it for £260 posted. Im guessing its not a bad price and that it will work for a mk1 octy vrs.

But whats the difference between that and the nice hand held device above it, i guess it does more things and comes singing and dancing? but will it really benifit me as id only really use it for fault codes and clearing them, (well for time being i guess).

Thanks in advance

James.

£260 is the Can+hex which is more than you really require for your car. But you would be future proofing yourself

This would do you USB PC diagnostics package for non-CAN VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda cars (approx. 1996-2003) :: Gendan Automotive Products for a genuine cable

They also stock a third party cable VW Audi Seat Skoda USB Diagnostic Cable for VAG-COM 409.1 - Dual K-line - most VAG 1996-2003 :: Gendan Automotive Products Which might be worth a punt if you don't want to commit a chunk of cash for the real deal

But the real one is a breeze, Plug it in and it works every time no faffing about

If your only using it for code reading and clearing then it's not worth it IMO

I brought a code reader from e-bay for £17 (not sure if it clears as my car has no fault codes)

I think there are other units for around £80 which are good.

I dont mind spending, but what extra features does the can + hex have over the other? ie can i change more things in depth, it doesnt really say. I have a 2003 rs but the cheaper one says upto approx 2002, im guessing it would still work.

Genuine cable will let you do this: Ross-Tech: VCDS Tour take the tour!

A third party cable with a licence key from Ross-Tech will unlock/expand on the functions available on the shareware version

A code reader is just that, Which is perfect if that's all you're looking for:thumbup:

The Can+Hex would allow you to access newer Can-Bus VAG's

I've got the Sealey hand-held reader.

It reads all codes in detail, and allows you to delete them. You can run an emissions rediness check. And it can reset the service and oil warnings, and switch between the 2 types of service intervals. It also connects to a PC, for updates.

I've had it for a year now, and its been great for what I need.

But you can't do fancy stuff like produce graphs, or reset things like the throttle body.

Sealey

At £270 it's kinda pricey, but I can't complain since i got it for less that £100 off a rep.

You could get a stand-alone hand-held scanner such as the SuperVAG. Will do most things (DTC's, service reset, adaption etc etc). Cost about £60-70. Do a search for "Super VAG 5053" on Ebay.

Just noticed the Sealey one is on offer at the moment for £180 on the Sealey website....

Think ill just go for a hand held reader, just so i can check faults and turn any warning lights off when i get exhaust fitted.

Whats the difference between the sealey one mentioned and Professional Fault Code Reader for Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda (1996-2008) :: Gendan Automotive Products apart from the price difference. ie which one should i get hehe.

anyone? wonder if the software is slightly different or another company putting there name on it and putting the price up.

Well if you only want a code reader, just buy an ebay cable and a use a shareware version of vagcom (311.2 or 409) the cost of it is the cable. If you decide that you want to start to do other stuff with it you can then register it for $99.

If you later change car to a newer VAG group car (mk5 golf/mk2 Octavia/etc) you can upgrade to the latest version with Can-bus dongles and get the $99 off the purchase IIRC.

Well if you only want a code reader, just buy an ebay cable and a use a shareware version of vagcom (311.2 or 409) the cost of it is the cable. If you decide that you want to start to do other stuff with it you can then register it for $99.

If you later change car to a newer VAG group car (mk5 golf/mk2 Octavia/etc) you can upgrade to the latest version with Can-bus dongles and get the $99 off the purchase IIRC.

You remember correctly. Anyone who owns a license is entitled to do an outright upgrade. Those that own genuine interfaces from Ross-Tech or our distributors get a bit more off for returning their old interfaces. (If you buy on eBay, those items are not genuine interfaces and are not entitled to more than a license discount)

My HEX CAN worked out at just over £200 when ordered direct. Top quality service from Rosstech and with the help and support you get from them I wouldnt go anywhere else.

Does anyone know if VAG are going to make all new cars CAN based or if some things are going to be HEX based too?

The price difference between the CAN and the HEX plus CAN is 90 at gendan.co.uk.

Also are they an official reseller as with the exchange rates by the time you've got it here and paid customs etc I'm thinking the price seems the same.

No not all new cars are CAN for diagnostics. The Roomster and Fabia II use K Line.

Although if I'm honest I would think the CAN is the more sensible option and will prevail.

Just wondering if it's worth getting just a CAN or if it's worth getting a HEX plus CAN for use going forward.

Will have a think.