purchasing OBD II scanner- advice

[fab]

I am looking to buy a OBD II scanner. What should I be looking for as in certain requirements? I've found some scanners that are not compatiable with can protocol. What is a can protocol? Is this needed for our cars?

[Paul]

This company has a much more capable tool:

http://www.durametric.com/modelfeaturematrix.aspx

The cheapest version only works on up to 3 cars (the hardware will only recognize up to 3 different cars).

[larez2]

CAN = Controller Area Network "It is the fastest way yet for OBD2 vehicles to speak with their computerized systems." "... mandatory on all vehicles in 2008."

I don't think CAN compatibility is needed for older Boxsters. I've used several different types of OBD II scanners without any problems.

I ended up purchasing an Innova 3030 (which is CAN compatible):
http://www.canobd2.com

I picked it up from Walmart for $69 bucks or something like that and I've used it on a bunch of vehicles, many different years, makes and models. Worked great on all of them (including my 99' Boxster).

Good Luck,
Larez2

[rick3000]

I have the same question, and didn't want to stat a new thread.
This is the cheapest scanner I could find Here Will it work?

[fab]

wow...that is cheap. I just bought one from ebay paid $53 that includes shipping and it's can compatible.

[edevlin]

"This company has a much more capable tool:

http://www.durametric.com/modelfeaturematrix.aspx"

I would second the recommendation for the durametric software, it is an excellent tool with many of the abilities of the expensive porsche code readers. I have also had very good luck with their customer support.

Ed