El Cheapo OBD 2 scanners

[Redlyne_mr2]

Thinking it's not a bad idea to pick one of these up and I'm wondering if I'd be fine with just one of these cheap scanners off ebay? Whats the difference between a $40 code reader and a $150 code reader?

thanks

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/U380-Universal-Engine-Scanner-Code-Reader-OBD2-CAR-AUTO-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5640c1f68aQQitemZ370453640842QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

[kvg]

They are real handy. My father has one from princess auto fairly cheap on sale. But good question. I would thing just materials used?:dunno:
I wanna know too.

[Tik-Tok]

If all you want it to scan for codes and clear them, the $40 is enough, the more expensive ones usually also have other things like checks temps, pressures, mpg, freezeframe data, read ABS and transmission modules, airbags, etc. I have seen more expensive ones that only scan/clear, and I think it's only chumps who buy those.

Personally, I bought this one (http://www.princessauto.com/workshop/hand-tools/automotive-tools/diagnostic-tools/8237844-maxitrip-auto-computer) from P.A., and leave it hooked up to the Subie all the time. I didn't dash mount it, I just have it and the cord tucked under the dash, so if something comes up, I have all the data I need.

[Unknown303]

https://www.superchips.com/default.aspx#pn=home&hps=jeepflashpaq

That's the Jeep version but it checks/clears codes and shows realtime data.

[G-ZUS]

:hijack: I have an old laptop lying around, is there any free decent programs I can install on it to do this ?