Had to pick between a used Snap-on scan tool and a new Autel last month. Still wondering if I made the right call.

My old Actron finally died after 12 years. Found a Snap-on Solus Pro for $900 on marketplace but it was 2 hours away. The Autel MaxiCOM MK808 was $850 new with a warranty. I went with the Autel because I figured new tech would have more coverage. It works fine. Does what I need. But every time I see a used Snap-on roll into another shop I wonder if I missed out on something. Has anyone else tried both and regretted one choice?

2 comments

2 Comments

viola_butler6d ago

...and honestly I think you did the smart thing. I've been turning wrenches for twenty five years and I've owned both. The Snap-on name carries a lot of weight but that Solus Pro is from 2015 at the latest. You're already missing coverage on newer cars. The MK808 updates are simple and you get fresh software for years. I've seen too many guys pay big money for a used Snap-on and then get stuck when a 2023 model rolls in and their tool won't talk to it. You got a warranty too which is huge. If something goes wrong with that Autel you're not out $900. A used tool is a gamble even if it is Snap-on. I'd say sleep easy. You made the call that makes more sense long term.

lane.angela5d ago

Oh man you hit the nail right on the head. I watched a buddy drop $1200 on a used Snap-on scanner and within six months a 2022 Ford rolled in and it wouldn't connect to the ABS module. He was stuck borrowing my cheap Autel just to get the job done. The update path on those old Snap-ons is brutal, you either pay an arm and a leg for a card update or you're stuck with what you got. Meanwhile that MK808 is gonna keep getting support for years and Autel puts out fresh software pretty regularly. And yeah the warranty thing is huge, nobody thinks about it until that used tool takes a dump and the seller is long gone. You definitely made the smarter play here.