I looking to buy a code reader to take care of my family's daily driver Mopar, Toyota, and Nissan vehicles. I've never owned one before and recently had to go to the local parts store to get the codes read for my Caravan evap emissions problems. I know they will all petty much read out the codes, but what I don't know is how much of a code reader I want. In other words what do some of the more expensive code readers do for you and do I need what they do? Can you check O2 sensors with a coder reader, can you reset the check engine lite with standard code readers? What am I looking for in a code reader to take care of my family's cars? Any manufacturers better than others?
TIA

A reader does just that.It tells you the codes.You need a scanner to see live data.The reader just tell you what set a code like the O2 or emissions.Scanners used can be bought but most need updates for newer cars as they come out.Expect to paty probally 600 bucks for a decent used scanner.Then if it needsa updates they cost also.Rocky

I am curious too Greg, so here is a

This one will probably do everything that you want it to do and other brands just like it are available at parts stores also.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBD-2-AUT...omotiveQ5fTools

OBD2/CAN is alot different than OBD1.

I have a cheapie Actron scanner. I thought it told me the whole story. Turns out chryslers will read off the codes in the Odometer if you quickly go off to run 3 times.

The car showed more codes than the scanner and also I found that the scanner showed codes the car didn't!!

I keep it because it still erases codes OK.

Don't buy a cheap scanner. I went through three that were SUPPOSED to cover all OBD-I cars. Well the car I needed it for (89 LeBaron GTC TII) was not covered in the first two and the third will only read stored codes like the dash. I need to rebuild the engine, but after that I will probably look for a used scanner that will do the job.

I've seen some USB scanner/code readers and Linux drivers for them. Does anyone know which one of these scanners work well?

I'd like to know that as well. A laptop and linux - way to go!

without getting 2 crazy on brands and price, I bought the newest actron scanner out there...

You may want to look at a Scangauge. They work as a scanner, but can also be run continuosly as a selectable gauge. I am going to get on for the new campervan to monitor rpm, trans temp, etc as this thing is hauling around 9K pounds. $160 on Amazon, free shipping.

http://www.scangauge.com/