Hi everyone.

Just after a bit of info. Been away from Skoda for a few years and just picked up a 57 plate Octavia 1.9TDi Elegance estate.

Now I know VCDS is the best tool for the job and I have access to an older version of vcds but it only covers up to 2004.

 

I have been on the Gendan site and the new kit is a bit pricy for my needs.

 

I notice they also list Foxwell NT 520 pro scanners for VAG cars at a much more affordable price.

And it will cover other cars so more suitable for my needs.

Has anyone used the Foxwell kit and is it any good.

 

Thanks 

Edited 24 June, 20196 yr by ruffday

I can't vouch for the Foxwell NT 520 but I've had the Foxwell NT644 model for a couple of years now.

 

I don't currently have VCDS but I'm looking to get it in due course.

 

The NT644 covers all manufacturers and I've used it on Skoda, Volvo, BMW, and MINI.

 

It's accurately diagnosed every fault code found on those I've used it on and the live data is useful.  With the Foxwell tool, my knowledge and internet research I've been able to resolve the codes I've come across so far.

 

However, it is really a diagnostic tool only and for deeper use with features such as bi-directional control of some modules, coding, calibration and so on you need the manufacturer tool.

 

For that reason I also have Volvo's Vida Dice for use on my Volvo and now that our family run three Fabia 1 1.9tdi estates VCDS is next on my shopping list.

 

  

Thanks for the reply. I really only need it for diagnostics but looking at the spec it can also do coding and bi directional module control.

Gendan are the suppliers of VCDS kit so hopeful they only supply kit that works.

 

This is the one I am looking at.  https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_FXNT520VAG.html

 

I was hoping for a bit more response from the group but appreciate your reply.

2 hours ago, ruffday said:

I was hoping for a bit more response from the group but appreciate your reply.

Most of use use VCDS, either that or VCP or OBDEleven

I was just with the Gendan guys at the Automechanika in Birmingham.  The 225£ VCDS does more than the 195£ FXNT520.  The FXNT520 has Incomplete coding support.  It supports some adaptations and basic settings. 

 

Do remember that updates to VCDS have been free for 20 years.  What kind of updates will you get with the Foxwell hand held?

 

With VCDS you have support available through Gendan, through our dedicated forum, through email to our support team.  Does Foxwell offer the same support? 

 

I do not think the Foxwell hand held scanner is equal to VCDS by any means.  But I am biased...  and each has the right to choose the tool they desire.

 

 

Edited 25 June, 20196 yr by bearthebruce

11 hours ago, bearthebruce said:

I was just with the Gendan guys at the Automechanika in Birmingham.  The 225£ VCDS does more than the 195£ FXNT520.  The FXNT520 has Incomplete coding support.  It supports some adaptations and basic settings. 

 

Do remember that updates to VCDS have been free for 20 years.  What kind of updates will you get with the Foxwell hand held?

 

With VCDS you have support available through Gendan, through our dedicated forum, through email to our support team.  Does Foxwell offer the same support? 

 

I do not think the Foxwell hand held scanner is equal to VCDS by any means.  But I am biased...  and each has the right to choose the tool they desire.

 

 

Thanks for the replies. I don't doubt that VCDS is the tool for the job but it was a call to see if people had used the Foxwell unit. 

I found it on the Gendan site and it reads as quite a good all round unit but aimed more at VAG vehicles but is capable of working on many others.

I looks like it will do all I need and has free lifetime updates and UK based email support.

I don't really need it for coding and the more advanced features of VCDS more for fault finding on my own car and would be handy to cover other makes.

Also with it being a compact size easier to keep in the car. But if no one has info here the search will continue.

 

 

Looking at the VAG Foxwell NT520 it does (as Bruce points out) some functions which VCDS does but not complete functionality. Then looking at other vehicles...

 

Taken from Gendans own site and the Foxwell NT520 page :-

 

Compatible with EOBD compliant cars for basic engine fault code reading (ALL* 2001+ petrol and 2004+ diesel UK-sold cars)

 

So you don't get much more after the functions specific to VAG, and I'm pretty certain VCDS also provides EOBD access.

15 minutes ago, Rustynuts said:

So you don't get much more after the functions specific to VAG, and I'm pretty certain VCDS also provides EOBD access.

 

Yes it does 

On 27/06/2019 at 10:32, Rustynuts said:

Looking at the VAG Foxwell NT520 it does (as Bruce points out) some functions which VCDS does but not complete functionality. Then looking at other vehicles...

 

Taken from Gendans own site and the Foxwell NT520 page :-

 

Compatible with EOBD compliant cars for basic engine fault code reading (ALL* 2001+ petrol and 2004+ diesel UK-sold cars)

 

So you don't get much more after the functions specific to VAG, and I'm pretty certain VCDS also provides EOBD access.

It says that at the bottom of the page but further up in the description it says this,

 

This scan tool will also read and erase engine fault codes and show live engine data on EOBD compliant cars (nearly all 2001+ petrol cars and 2004+ diesel cars, from any car manufacturer).

 

As I said I don't need it for anything other than fault finding. But if no one knows then I will keep looking.

 

I have VCDS but the cable I have access to only covers upto 2004 so is no good for my octavia

. 

 

 

That's essentially what I meant. It can be used for only engine related stuff on anything other than VAG vehicles, so where you said in your first post " And it will cover other cars so more suitable for my needs. " I was simply quantifying that it only covers engine related issues and doesn't communicate with any other controllers. VCDS will do exactly the same, but gives you a much greater scope for VAG vehicles which I was presuming would be your first priority.

However, if you're confident that VCDS is not the tool for you, then best of luck finding something which fits your needs.

On 28/06/2019 at 20:47, Rustynuts said:

That's essentially what I meant. It can be used for only engine related stuff on anything other than VAG vehicles, so where you said in your first post " And it will cover other cars so more suitable for my needs. " I was simply quantifying that it only covers engine related issues and doesn't communicate with any other controllers. VCDS will do exactly the same, but gives you a much greater scope for VAG vehicles which I was presuming would be your first priority.

However, if you're confident that VCDS is not the tool for you, then best of luck finding something which fits your needs.

 

I never said it wasn't the right tool for the job or for me but I was hoping to find something a bit more portable  and small enough to keep in the car but I may have found a Netbook that will be up to the job. I do want it for my Skoda but I also have a BMW and the wife's Focus to loo after and was hoping to find something that would do them all to an extent.

 

But looking likely that I will be getting a cable from Gendan later in the week.

hi guys good news,I found this Foxwell NT510 Elite last week,and I received it yesterday

 

some details

1. Foxwell NT510 Elite With 1 Free Car Makes
2. With the Same Function as NT530, Cheaper Than NT530
3. Multi-language
4. Lifetime Free Update
5. Work on The Latest 2018/2019 Models