I am really cheap (or whaddya think of this OBD2 reader)

[clickman]

Just got my first CEL at 89,000 km (bought at 52k).

Am I a fool for considering this?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Auto-scanner-Auto-code-reader-OBD2-scan-tool_W0QQitemZ280541198086QQcategoryZ43989QQcmdZVi ewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DDLSL% 252BSI%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D10%26pm od%3D280540226412%252B280540226412%26po%3D%26ps%3D 63%26clkid%3D6709743683593450373

[pothole]

For that little, there's not much downside. That said, from what I've read the standard OBD readers really don't tell you very much.

[vath2001]

I have a Actron unit that is powered by the car and small enough to keep in the car. No laptop required. It allows me the clear the CEL and read the problems. It also works on any car built after 1996.

The only problem I see with this unit is that you have to have your computer with you. I recently needed to clear a code in a parking lot (Chinese food pickup) and was luckey that an oil change place next door let me borrow their hand held unit.

But for $22 (after shipping)? Its your money.