I don't write reviews often, unless something is really awful or really great. Let me explain where I am coming from in writing this review: I have owned a number of OBD scanners at different price points. I do all my own auto work and have rebuilt several wrecked vehicles just for fun - so I am not a novice or just an oil change DIY guy.
I have owned very basic OBD scanners, specific scanners, and more "comprehensive scanners" all before buying this CR Pro. I previously bought an iCarSoft i980 which is specific to Mercedes ONLY. With my latest project vehicle which is also a Mercedes, it was newer and had more modules that the i980 couldn't communicate with. The CR Pro was a prime purchase with free returns so I figured I'd try it. So I have the i980 pocket scanner for Mercedes Benz only, a top end Zurich scanner that does OBD + OEM codes, SRS, ABS, etc, and now the CR Pro.
The CR Pro is fantastic. They make different versions of this scanner and some are limited to how many makes it will scan, if you go with the CR Pro it will do all makes and all models. The European OEM code scanning functionality is amazing. Compared to my next best scanner which gave me 2 codes, the CR Pro ran through all 42 modules on my latest Mercedes project and gave me exact detail about the codes it was pulling. It also gives you live data feed and live input on the different modules.
Before purchasing this, I read some negative reviews. Some even saying that this doesn't do anything a $15 scanner doesn't do. Those people are flat out wrong and clearly are not using this correctly. This has great functionality and works surprisingly well.
Is this a true, professional level scanner? No. But it's also well under the $1,000+ price point that comes with professional scanners. I would even bet that a number of small independent shops run a scanner like this - in fact I know for sure that this more functionality and capability than the scanner that a couple of my local indy shops use - all for under $300!
You can definitely buy a cheaper scanner and it may work well for you, but if you own a European car or more than one car and like to DIY - I would make the investment in this scanner, it's fantastic and I wish I had bought it sooner/before I bought the other 2 scanners I own!
| Manufacturer | iCarsoft |
|---|---|
| Brand | iCarsoft |
| Item Weight | 1.69 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 10.31 x 7.56 x 2.05 inches |
| Item model number | CR PRO |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | CR PRO |
