VAG-COM or V-Checker pro worth it?

[Zano]

I have read a number of posts about these tools, and was thinking of getting one, but not sure if they are worth it.
Besides changing default factory programmed options, do people find them useful for fixing any issues with their car?

Say for example my MKiV was running lame, would these tools easily find the fault?

[h100vw]

I haven't seen a V-checker but have had my VAG-COM lead for 4 years and wouldn't be without it. Not just for changing settings but the diagnostics and data logging capabilities.

I don't know for sure you can do that with V-checker.

VAG-COM is more money but worth it.

You can always rent it out for beer.

Gavin

Add yourself to this thread, even posting the scans on here is a good move. Jmac and others can give you pointers.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=27504&highlight=vag-com+sticky

[balkanac]

I've got the v-checker pro and i love it. It has all the functions of VAG-COM, its just that you have to scan things one by one. But given the price difference i can live with it.
P.S. dont buy those ebay cheap OBD-II cables. They are a waste of money. I have 2 of them and they came with the s/w that never worked properly.

[Jmac]

Ive had full license version of Vagcom for around 5 yrs now and would be like losing a limb without it, just took delivery of my Launch Diagun with 41 marques loaded, awesome, works with bluetooth as well as hard cable. Live data excellent, tried 4 different marques with it now, going to be an excellent addition to my diagnostic toolkit, Retails at $6000 mind you so it should be
Cheers
Jmac

[GraemeI]

I've got the v-checker pro and i love it. It has all the functions of VAG-COM, its just that you have to scan things one by one. But given the price difference i can live with it.
P.S. dont buy those ebay cheap OBD-II cables. They are a waste of money. I have 2 of them and they came with the s/w that never worked properly.

Hi,

Can you tell me where I can get the V-Checker pro from
Thanks for your help
Rgds Graeme

[fuzion]

moi

and ive run out guys im sorry.

will be getting some on feb!

[noone]

recently got myself an ebay cable, think it was $30 all up.

works fine, but you don't get all the options with VAG-COM shareware version.

Seems fine to me if you want to see if you are throwing a code... Think then all you have to do is pay 100US to get full version of software for full capabilities? don't quote me on that...

[GraemeI]

moi

and ive run out guys im sorry.

will be getting some on feb!

Hi Can you tell me the price of them and can you let me know when you have them.
Thanks Graeme

[The_Hawk]

The cheap eBay cables are almost perfect for a Mk3 (since it has such limited options anyway) so you can read and clear codes as needed.

For Mk4 you can do some stuff, but again really only for basic read/clear of codes. For Mk5 onwards the cheapie cable is very questionable since it's running *very* old software and the newer cars use CAN Bus. (or something like that).

I suppose it depends on what you want it for and how you feel about spending a few hundred $$.

[Treza360]

I have a V-Checker and it's a very handy little tool to have. It does everything that VAG-Com does except the logging component. As a tool for occasional use and checking to see if you've got a problem or the rare recoding etc it is ideal.
Cheers,
Trent