Which Diagnistic Tool?

[mark wade]

Hi all,
I hope you can help, I have a 2003 1.9tdi avant and would like a handheld diagnostic tool which I can view/reset fault codes and also view live data, maybe also download the trended live data to my computer to view later (although this isn't essential). I would also like the tool to be suitable for other makes/models as well. I know I pretty much want it all but is there anything out there that fits the bill?

Cheers.

ps appologies if this has already been covered, I've had a look but no joy.

[Issac Hunt]

VCDS is what you need.

[mark wade]

I have thought about VCDS but isn't that VAG specific? I'm looking for something that will work on cars that I will own in the future which might not be VAG.

[martin1810]

There are no code readers that work well on all cars. You would have to spend £4000 plus to come close and you still won't have complete coverage.

[Issac Hunt]

There are no code readers that work well on all cars. You would have to spend £4000 plus to come close and you still won't have complete coverage.

Exactly right. You will have to spend thousands as your buying workshop/trade equipment.

Cheapo options that do everything on all cars just dont exist.

Get VCDS if you have a VAG car, if you move away from VAG in the future then sell the VCDS and get one appropriate for your new marque.

[a8 tech]

I use vcds and vas pc 5054a
vcds £250
vas pc 5054a £1000
for nearly all applications vcds is superb and vas pc is dealer equipment which you can buy and use on a windows based laptop with a bluetooth interface.

I used vcds for ages and my wife bought me vas pc for Christmas so I have the same tools at home and at work

[mark wade]

Thanks for all the replies, its cleared the mist a little.

Mark.

[Monster MS]

Oops posted a reply to an old thread - apologies!

[gpaul]

VAS 5054A is this any good v vag com ? thanks paul.

[a8 tech]

Yes its very good.I use vcds for long code helper and thats it these days as vas pc has everything bar longcode byte descriptions which you need when retro fitting etc.My problem is the fact I abuse lap tops so I have three at present in differing stages of abuse.I considered a vas 5052a but at nearly £3000 I use IBM T40's which you can get for £100 and thats not bad when you keep dropping them every other month.lol

[daipower]

Can someone tell me which is the easiest to use, vas 5054a or vcds.
I am new to all this, and have used my vag405 to reset services etc. To be honest, I dont know much about either product, and thought that vas 5054a was a cheaper product as I thought the ones on ebay were the genuine article.
Could someone explain for me. I have a A4 Quattro Avant 53.
thanks
Dai