Which OBD-II bluetooth tool?

[Impureclient]

I am done with the seat belt chime in the car so I'm getting the Carista app and one of the OBD-II bluetooth scanner tools. Did a search and a few people just used the cheapest one available but if paying more is better for this, I'd like some feedback with those using a better unit. If I understand this correctly, just using the tool for changing some chimes and light options the cheapest one is all that is necessary, right?

Was about to pull the trigger and get this:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Docooler-Bluetooth-CAN-BUS-Diagnostic-Scanner/dp/B0090ZJPMK"]Amazon.com: Docooler Super Mini V1.5 ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 OBD-II CAN-BUS Diagnostic Scanner Tool: Automotive[/ame]

Then I saw this:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/ScanTool-426101-OBDLink-Bluetooth-Diagnostic/dp/B006NZTZLQ/ref=pd_sbs_263_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=012540WBACBBY10G5V SR#Ask"]Amazon.com: ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth: OBD Adapter/Diagnostic Scanner for Android & Windows: Automotive[/ame]

There seems to be much better reviews on the $100 one. The "Does not communicate" reviews on the first one and other cheaper ones has me worried. The more expensive one comes with the app to run it, turns off when the cars off and is faster. I didn't plan on leaving it on the car but is spending the extra cash and having one that gives better/faster info worth the extra $90? Is the $10 one and the $5 Torque app the way to go if not using live data from the reader?

[swarb]

The cheap ones work fine. Just read the reviews for that particular model. I've had two of them. The first one had problems pairing and it cut in and out randomly. I gave it to a friend and he has no problems with it.

I used it for torque and it takes 2-3 seconds to react. Not the fastest, but you don't need the speed. Just make sure you remember to unplug it.

[LXXXV1]

Sub'd.

[BRZtoni]

i used this for 2 years no problem. only issue i have is that its kind of long and sticks out a little so you can sort of touch it with your leg..
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS"]Amazon.com: BAFX Products - Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool - For check engine light & diagnostics - Android ONLY: Automotive[/ame]

[cjd]

Unless you want GM or Ford support, get what I have: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/ScanTool-427201-OBDLink-Bluetooth-Diagnostic/dp/B00H9S71LW/ref=lp_2600144011_1_2?srs=2600144011&ie=UTF8&qid=1 436823933&sr=8-2"]Amazon.com: ScanTool 427201 OBDLink LX Bluetooth: OBD Adapter/Diagnostic Scanner for Android & Windows: Automotive[/ame]

Somewhere long ago I determined it wasn't worth cheaping out on this stuff. While it's still a good bit more than the knockoff, it's less than the one you linked. Only problem I've had is after I reflash my phone and have to re-pair (and can't find the damn paperwork.) I like the bit of extra security in that it doesn't make it easy for just anyone to pair.

[JonAvalon]

Originally Posted by BRZtoni

i used this for 2 years no problem. only issue i have is that its kind of long and sticks out a little so you can sort of touch it with your leg..
Amazon.com: BAFX Products - Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool - For check engine light & diagnostics - Android ONLY: Automotive

:edit:
+1 for the BAFX if you're using an Android device, I've been using it the last couple of years with Torque and it's been solid. I paired it with the Carista app you mentioned and it seemed to work although I didn't try anything with it.

[campy]

Are you using an Iphone or android? Iphones only work with wifi OBDII ports. I got this one:
http://www.amazon.com/ieGeek%C2%AE-W...0BV8J8QPNMKYRN

My first one was DOA, returned it and the second one I got works fine. Typical made-in-china build quality.

[BRZtoni]

Android.

[BlackJesus]

Might as well get a cheap android tablet while your at it. Mount it somewhere visible on your car. I would recommend samsung or google nexus tablet. I used ipad before and it didn't work very well. It was limited compared to android . Plus there's alot of rooted car apps that will make it a bettwr experience . If you're willing to spend $$$ you can also get a android head unit that can do a ton of stuff . Goodluck !

[jvincent]

I initially had one of the cheap blue OBDII readers and it was flaky. Thankfully it only cost me $15.

Bit the bullet and bought and OBDLink LX and it has been bullet-proof. Always connects and has much faster update rates.

[stugray]

If you get ANY of the OBD dongles from ebay and it comes from China,
BURN THE CD THAT COMES WITH IT!

DO NOT put it in any computer unles your intent is to do some trojan/virus research.

[Impureclient]

Well that is enough bad experiences with the cheaper ones in here combined with all the horrible reviews the cheaper ones get on Amazon.
I guess "Buy Once, Cry Once" is how I will play this one. Thanks for all the input as I trust it much more in here than an online marketplace where reviews can be fabricated.
I'm going for the more expensive Scantool brand one for the extra GM support as my workvans I get are always Chevy.

[extrashaky]

I have the $25 BAFX. I also have the $60 ScanTool LX. I also have the $100 ScanTool MX. I've used them all with Torque, so I can't comment on how they work with Carista.

The BAFX worked fine with a Galaxy Note and a Galaxy S4 using Torque. The biggest advantage is price. However, there are a few drawbacks. First, it sticks down too far in the BRZ where I risk hitting it.

Second is that it ALWAYS draws power from the OBDII connector, even when the car is off. It's not enough to kill your battery overnight unless you have a charging problem, but if you're going to leave it parked for a few days, you might need to remove it. OBDII connectors are really only made for infrequent use, and pulling it out every night will eventually widen the sleeves in the connector and cause it to stop making good contact, resulting in errors.

That's why I bought the ScanTool LX, which was on sale on Amazon as one of their Christmas lightning buys. In addition to everything the BAFX does, the LX also has a battery save function where it shuts itself off automatically after the car has been shut down for a few minutes, so you can leave it in the car all the time without worrying about ever killing your battery. It's also considerably shorter than the BAFX, and I have yet to accidentally bang it with my ankle.

Amazon ran another lightning sale on the MX, so I picked it up also to put in my other vehicle. I have only used it a couple of times, but to be honest I can't tell any difference between it and the LX except that one's green and the other's black. I'm not sure what justifies the higher price.

You can use the software that comes with the ScanTool adapters, but as has been noted, DO NOT use any software that comes with any of the cheap Korean or Chinese adapters. Those CDs they include are full of malware. They're not actually trying to infect your machine. Rather than pay for licenses for the software, they download it from warez sites instead, and it's already infected when they get it. Cheap bastards.

[Tromatic]

I bought the ScanTool. Works great with Android, but it won't work with anything Crapple.