i've asked a question about some alternative cheaper vcds to sort out some issues i'm having, rather than blocking a post maybe you should explain why such alternative is not viable, who knows you might actually help some poor souls thinking they found a bargain...keep up the good work, not...

I have not read your other thread, but typically, if people are buying "hooky" access to VCDS when others have paid up for rights to use it, then you will get a bit of a pummelling - same for anyone trying to feed scammers.

 

Though, if you are buying a cheap interface and downloading VCDS's shareware version, then that is okay, you might have to register and so pay to get support though and to get better functionality.

 

All the above might be total jobbies after I've read your other thread though!

If you really want to buy VCDS that suits your age of car only, then look for someone selling that earlier version, normally goes by the name of VCDS HEX+USB as long as it is a genuine secondhand RossTech reg'd piece of kit, it is perfectly okay to sell on and for the new buyer to register themselves as the new owner. Doing that harms/hurts no one as plenty people have upgraded their VCDS of that type to the current version, I am one of those that have done that, UK based VCDS re-sellers, ie genuine listed agents, did offer a small chunk of cash if the older versions were traded in against a newer version purchase - but some people will have been braver than me and paid full price for the latest version and put their older version up for sale at maybe initially an unrealistic price - go look-see in the usual places.

1 minute ago, rum4mo said:

If you really want to buy VCDS that suits your age of car only, then look for someone selling that earlier version, normally goes by the name of VCDS HEX+USB as long as it is a genuine secondhand RossTech reg'd piece of kit, it is perfectly okay to sell on and for the new buyer to register themselves as the new owner. Doing that harms/hurts no one as plenty people have upgraded their VCDS of that type to the current version, I am one of those that have done that, UK based VCDS re-sellers, ie genuine listed agents, did offer a small chunk of cash if the older versions were traded in against a newer version purchase - but some people will have been braver than me and paid full price for the latest version and put their older version up for sale at maybe initially an unrealistic price - go look-see in the usual places.

thanks man, helpful info 👍

Just to add to this. I sold my older style cable for more than a newer one after I'd upgraded. Maybe it was because buyers see the 'unlimited' part but it'd be perfectly adequate for older cars but limited when you get a newer one.

Horses for courses - swings and roundabouts!

I locked the thread and removed the link in the hope that you got an official cable and didn't brick your car! 

28 minutes ago, john999boy said:

Just to add to this. I sold my older style cable for more than a newer one after I'd upgraded. Maybe it was because buyers see the 'unlimited' part but it'd be perfectly adequate for older cars but limited when you get a newer one.

Horses for courses - swings and roundabouts!

I locked the thread and removed the link in the hope that you got an official cable and didn't brick your car! 

 

thanks for the feedback.

 

Not bothered about the link removal, but I do think if you explain rather than block, it's a lot more helpful.

 

because I'm not experienced, and i assume a lot of people might not be too, I looked at the VCDS as an aftermarket alternative rather than fake. maybe less access = less money? obviously I know that's not the case now. 

If you can't manage the cost of genuine VCDS, there are other valid options. Carista is well-regarded around here, as is (I think) OBD Eleven. They offer some of the functionality of VCDS at a lower cost. Do some searching on the forums and you'll turn up plenty of threads on the matter. There's also a dedicated diagnostics forum here: https://www.briskoda.net/forums/forum/23-diagnostics-amp-vcds/

carrista and obd2 does not support fuel priming options. I have looked at that forum thank you, i didn't see any options for cheaper solution rather than the £250-£300 option.

 

Currently bidding on a used genuine rostech VCDS on ebay

Ok. Another option is to see if there's a member near you with VCDS that could help you out: there's a sticky in the Diagnostics forum with a list of VCDS owners.

@Bertie90, I hope that you are bidding for one that costs a bit, as all the others I've noticed on there are roughly same as you were looking at already. You probably want something that can be used with a 2019 version of VCDS which means it can be used with version 19.**

@rum4mo can i copy and paste the link so you can check please?

 

PM me the link and I'll check.

If any say that they come with software on CD then they will be fake.

There is LOADS of fakes on Ebay, beware of what your buying.

2 hours ago, john999boy said:

PM me the link and I'll check.

If any say that they come with software on CD then they will be fake.

 

Good!

@Bertie90 The initial link which I removed earlier is 100% for a fake cable but is that the one you referred to in your last post?

I seem to remember that there was also a post on eBay for cable rental a while back. However if it is a one off then as has been suggested find a member near you who will generally do it for some beer

 

John 

Genuine VCDS is worth it. I know its expensive, but you get what you pay for. I'm by no means an expert, but it's helped me out countless times in tracking down faults, but also in practical terms to reset the service indicator, prime the fuel pump at a fuel filter change, right through to modifications such as enabling rear lights with front DLRs, RPM sweep, etc.

 

There's a forum community on RossTech who know their stuff too if you get stuck. If you intend to stay with VAG cars, it should be on your horizon, as ultimately it pays for itself in 2 years. Avoid EBay nonsense as you'll simply be disappointed.

Edited 30 January, 20206 yr by spartacus68

On 30/01/2020 at 23:07, spartacus68 said:

Genuine VCDS is worth it. I know its expensive, but you get what you pay for. I'm by no means an expert, but it's helped me out countless times in tracking down faults, but also in practical terms to reset the service indicator, prime the fuel pump at a fuel filter change, right through to modifications such as enabling rear lights with front DLRs, RPM sweep, etc.

 

There's a forum community on RossTech who know their stuff too if you get stuck. If you intend to stay with VAG cars, it should be on your horizon, as ultimately it pays for itself in 2 years. Avoid EBay nonsense as you'll simply be disappointed.

which VCDS cable do you have? 

1 hour ago, Bertie90 said:

which VCDS cable do you have? 

I bought from these guys. It's the HEX-V2 USB. You use a VIN for each car you register, so if you change your cars regularly then 3 VIN version may not be enough. You need to register a VIN if doing anything advanced.

https://www.gendan.co.uk/vcds-v2.php?gclid=Cj0KCQiA7OnxBRCNARIsAIW53B_TYllJIxFUI4fxTGvZJEyfq4ImsV90yWi1qf2mYEkq9YFmeECFpn4aAvDlEALw_wcB

 

Importantly, once registered you can get free software updates (life of the interface) and the cable firmware needs updated periodically. Also - you can access RossTech forum. Although mostly US based, the feedback is excellent and they know what they are talking about.

Just to make it sound a better investment, RossTech have "experts" located within Europe so most issues should get covered by them if they are for cars not sold in USA.