In this budget, you can get a solid tool that will be enough not only for DIY mechanic purposes but also to run a car shop or used car checks. Some may be a little over the $500 mark, but I am including discount coupons with each that will decrease the price very close to this budget.
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Quick recommendations
Thinkscan 689BT
Thinkcar Thinkscan 689BT does it all. You have full-system scan/erase faults and data + all the service and coding features you might need as a DIY or semi-professional mechanic.
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
Mucar VO7
It’s one of the cheapest scan tools on the market but it does everything you need, even more advanced functions like ECU coding or OEM functionality
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
XTool D7
Simple to use, packed with advanced features like ECU coding and with a wired connection, you don’t even have to charge it often.
It will charge itself when connected to the car.
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
Thinkscan 689W
You can save a little by getting 689 in the wired version.
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
XTool D8S
Xtool D7 is already solid, but this one adds even more service procedures and most importantly topology mapping.
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
My insights after testing 100+ OBD2 tools
I’ve tested literally hundreds of OBD2 scanners, so let me tell you why I find these the best value for money.
1. Thinkscan 689 BT/Wired
As a DIY mechanic myself If I bought only this scanner, it would make up for 95% diagnostic tools I have in the garage combined.
And biggest plus is having free lifetime updates, so always up to date software without additional payments.
One of the best scan tools I have tried, for more information + $99 OFF discount code visit the official website.
2. XTool D7
I was surprised with the newest 2025 D7 version as now it comes with ECU coding. And that was the only thing that was missing from previous versions as it has a lot of service procedures (36), works with all modules, and provides solid vehicle coverage.
Find the best price
3. Mucar VO7 is best on budget
I bought the Mucar V07 since it is basically my favorite Bluetooth scanner Thinkdiag2 in the tablet version. It might be actually a better deal to buy VO7 since you are also getting 3-years of free updates and even though it’s on the cheaper end of scan tools, it surprised me with OEM functionality like unlocking hidden features on Toyota/Lexus or full VCDS-Like features for VAG cars.
Find the best price
Conclusion: Best picks by @iamcarhacker
Thinkscan 689BT
Thinkcar Thinkscan 689BT does it all. You have full-system scan/erase faults and data + all the service and coding features you might need as a DIY or semi-professional mechanic.
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
Mucar VO7
It’s one of the cheapest scan tools on the market but it does everything you need, even more advanced functions like ECU coding or OEM functionality
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
XTool D8S
Xtool D7 is already solid, but this one adds even more service procedures and most importantly topology mapping.
(Use “CARHACKER” for 10% OFF on official website)
Free PDF: How to choose OBD2 scanner
I’ve made you a free PDF to choose the OBD2 scanner in 5 minutes.
✅ Which OBD2 scanner is best?
✅ Which type should you get (DIY, Pro, Hobby)
✅ What is the best scanner for the exact brand/feature (e.g best for BMW)
✅ How to get a Bi-Directional tool for as cheap as $40
✅ Discount coupons for scanners
PDF is 100% free and it is designed to help you pick a scanner in less than a few minutes! Not a boring 50-page guide.
Just tell me where to send it.
Hi, I am Juraj “Yuri” Lukacko. I got frustrated by unhelpful and scammy mechanics, so I decided to learn everything about car diagnostics myself. I test dozens of new car diagnostic tools every month along with learning new strategies to fix and customize cars. About Juraj Lukacko (Yuri)