What is the best OBD2 scanner for Toyota/Lexus?
Here is the best obd2 scanner for Toyota picks list for every budget. Given that the Toyota and Lexus are reliable cars and do not offer many coding options, the cheaper OBD2 scan tool will be enough.
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Toyota OBD2 scanners – Quick comparison
1. Toyota Techstream + Mini-VCI J2534
2. ThinkDiag2
3. Veepeak + Car Scanner App
VIDEO: What are the best OBD2 scan tools for Toyota/Lexus?
1. Toyota Techstream – Best for Laptop
Toyota Techstream software is the best value for money. You will get dealership-level software for a one-time payment of $30-60, depending on the store and your location. Having an advanced diagnostic tool like this without subscription costs is rare, and I advise every Toyota/Lexus owner to get this.
Buy MINI-VCI J2534 cable here.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nCmFXP
My experience with MINI-VCI J2534 cable
The diagnostic software is top-level if there is a full scan, live data, and bi-directional features. The only missing thing was live data graphs, but you can still read them as a text value. I also did many customizations with ECU coding, like disabling seatbelt warnings, learning my keyfob to open windows, etc…
Full Toyota Techstream review
I tried this cable on my Toyota Corolla 2022 and was very happy with its ability. I dont have much use for the diagnostic and service functions since my car is almost new, and I dont have any issues yet. Read the full Toyota Techstream scan tool review here.
2. Thinkdiag2 – Works with all other car brands
This is my favorite Bluetooth OBD2 scanner. It is made by Launch, so it is packed with professional OBD2 software. There is everything that Techstream can do, and you can use it with Android/iOS devices.
If you don’t own a laptop or want a tool that can work with Toyota and all other car brands, the Thinkdiag2 is the best choice.
Remember that Thinkdiag2 comes with a paid yearly subscription, so if you need a diagnostic tool just for Toyota, you should buy a cheap refurbished laptop and get Techstream. It will save you money.
Buy Thinkdiag2 here.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Fegwaj
My experience with Thinkdiag2
Thinkdiag2 is a professional handheld scan tool packed in a little Bluetooth package. This is the scanner that I choose to always carry around in my car because it is so versatile.
This scanner is a perfect choice when someone asks me for help to diagnose a problem, read fault codes, or do a used car check.
It also does customizations with ECU coding, and that is what you are asked the most when your friends know you as the “OBD2 scanner guy” :D.
Full Thinkdiag2 review
This is the go-to scanner that I always have with me since it works on 115+ car brands. There is a full scan, full live data, service functions, and ECU coding, so you have a professional tool in a little Bluetooth device.
Read the full Thinkdiag2 review here.
3. Veepeak + Car Scanner/Carista (low-budget pick)
This is the best budget tool you can get for your Toyota. Veepeak is the best cheap Bluetooth OBD2 adapter, and using it with 2 OBD2 apps will give you a lot of functionality for its price.
Those apps are Car Scanner ELM 327 for diagnosing problems, reading live data, and doing many other things.
And there is a Carista app for advanced ECU coding and some service functions that work with the Veepeak adapter.
Buy the Veepeak adapter here.
Keep in mind that there are different adapters for Android and iOS!
Android adapter
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kMEP7V
iOS adapter
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YaRNu5
My experience with Veepeak
If you don’t want to spend much on an OBD2 scanner, you will love the Car Scanner ELM 327 app. It is free, but you can buy an extension for only $5/lifetime.
It does a lot for being a simple Bluetooth adapter. It can read fault codes from all control units, which these adapters usually can’t.
Veepeak + Car Scanner app
This free app is enough to diagnose problems by reading fault codes and watching the live data in the engine control unit. It does have some ECU coding; I taught my Toyota the open/close windows from my keyfob.
But there can be no coding options for other Toyota models. That’s why you can do the coding with the Carista app.
Veepeak + Carista app
There is a solution if you want to customize your Toyota, and the Car Scanner does not support coding for your model. You have to pay $10 for a 1-month Carista subscription, but you can cancel after the month is over, and your customizations will stay. Check these mods, I did with Carista for my 2022 Corolla.
Free OBD2 scanner buyer’s guide
Comparison of functions
The MINI-VCI J2534 with Techstream seems to be the best value for the money. If you, however, need an advanced tool to cover other car brands, go with the Thinkdiag2. If you have a tight budget, you can start with a Veepeak adapter paired with the Free version of the Car Scanner ELM OBD2 app.
| Mini-VCI J2534 | Thinkdiag2 | Veepeak | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device price | $30 – 60 | $120 – 180 | $15 – 35 |
| Yearly subscription | – | Yes ($80 after 1st free year) | Car Scanner – $5/lifetime Carista – $10/month |
| Full scan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine live data | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Full live data | Yes | Yes | – |
| Live data graphs | – | Yes | Yes |
| Bi-Directional | Yes | Yes | – |
| Service functions | Yes | Yes | Almost none (2-3 Carista) |
| ECU coding | Yes | Yes | Yes (Carista) |
I think Veepeak + Car Scanner App is the best on this list.
Well the others can do more, but Veepeak + Car Scanner is definitely most value for the money paid 🙂