When diving into the world of OBD2 scanners, especially when looking for the Best Rated Obd2 Scanner, one question often pops up, “What are the subscription costs?”. For tools like the Thinkdiag, understanding the payment structure is crucial before you decide if it’s the right diagnostic companion for your needs. Let’s break down the Thinkdiag subscription model and see why it stands out as a potentially top-rated choice.
The good news first: the basic OBDII functions of the Thinkdiag are yours forever, no subscription needed. You’ll always be able to read and clear basic codes. However, for the advanced functionalities that make the Thinkdiag a powerful tool, there are subscription options. Think of these subscriptions as unlocking extra capabilities, and Thinkdiag offers them in a flexible way to suit different users.
There are primarily two routes to access these advanced features:
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Manufacturer-Specific Subscription: For $39.99 annually per car manufacturer, you gain access to all diagnostic functions for vehicles of that specific brand. For example, if you primarily work on Ford vehicles, a Ford subscription unlocks advanced diagnostics, special functions, and more for all Ford models. Interestingly, when you initially purchase a Thinkdiag, you often get to choose one manufacturer subscription for free for the first year! It’s worth noting that Tesla is considered a premium manufacturer and may have a different pricing structure.
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Service Function Subscription: Alternatively, for $49.99 per year, you can unlock a single service function, such as ABS actuation, but this unlock applies across all manufacturers. This is ideal if you specialize in a particular service and need to perform it on various car brands.
Thinkdiag also frequently offers a comprehensive package deal, usually around $129 per year, which unlocks all functions for all manufacturers. This can be a very cost-effective option for workshops or enthusiasts who work on a wide range of vehicles and need access to everything.
It’s important to understand that these subscriptions are annual. If you choose not to renew, the advanced functions associated with the lapsed subscription will stop working until you resubscribe. However, the OBDII basics remain functional.
Consider this example: if you subscribe to the “Kia” diagnostic module, you can use it on any number of Kia vehicles throughout your subscription year. However, it won’t extend to Hyundai or Ford unless you also purchase subscriptions for those manufacturers.
The beauty of this system lies in its flexibility. If you are a DIY car owner mainly focused on your own vehicles, you can unlock just the manufacturer subscriptions you need, or take advantage of the package deal if it makes financial sense. On the other hand, if you are a professional technician specializing in a specific area, like tire services requiring TPMS relearn, you can opt for just the service function subscription.
When comparing the Thinkdiag to other best rated obd2 scanner options, especially bidirectional scan tools, the annual subscription model is a significant consideration. Tools like Launch, often seen as the next comparable option, also come with annual update fees. When you stack them up, the Thinkdiag’s subscription model is often seen as a bargain, particularly given the flexibility and the access to updates for new models and functions that your subscription provides. This ensures your diagnostic tool stays current and capable as automotive technology evolves.
